Taking responsibility

I will admit that I have sluffed responsibility. For a number of years growing up I would excuse my short comings on my home environment, education, lot in life, and what or who ever else. And probably still do.
As a substitute teacher I could see myself in a number of students I was charged with. I would if I had the chance let these individuals know that they could blame everyone else, but ultimately, they would suffer.
I guess in a society of lawsuits and "it can't be be my fault," "it was the fries @ McD's that made me do it," that might drive the train.
Being a teacher of adults I encounter the same, and this weekend was no different. The courses held were to help individuals that were disadvantaged or just looking for work to attend and hopefully gain viable employment. I heard some crazy excuses for not attending class or not passing a test. Yes, I know there are those that have legit issues, but then there are those that are willing to put the onus on you, me, the teacher's pet in 2nd grade, or the lead in pencils.
Peter Jennings died yesterday of lung cancer @ the age of 67. In the discussions it came out he never finished high school. That was his one regret in life. Yet! He was one of the top news guys in the world. How is that possible? No one to blame and didn't sit in the corner and blame the high cost of rice for not getting anywhere in life.
Now, who can I blame for me not getting my dissertation done? Oh yes, my 7th grade science tacher who said I would probably never graduate. Had I taken him for is word, I could have been a major news anchor - not.
Look within before pointing fingers.