When I see a student struggling with attendance or having "life" challenges, I bring up the "80%" rule. Many have different variations of the "80%" rule. To me, success is 80% showing up - whether it is at work, classroom, etc. and the other 20% is a combination of hard work, attitude and luck. We all have bad days but by showing up, you say that you are not a quitter... by showing up, you are stating that you are ready to handle whatever challenges face you. I go into this during the first day of class as it will always apply to the student's life journey in the future. ~Louis