Success in School and Life
Courage is incredibly important as kids grow up and face new challenges. I mentioned how often students become followers, too concerned with what others think or afraid of putting in their best effort.
Today, I had the opportunity to speak with next year's 8th graders on their last day as 7th graders. It's a tradition for the 8th-grade teachers to do this, spending a few minutes to create a smooth transition between the two grades. This year, I decided to share a quote from John Wooden, which is a personal favorite: 'Success is the peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction and knowing you made the effort to do the best of what you are capable.' It’s a definition that I hold dearly and believe to be a powerful message.
I took this chance to discuss how many middle school students seem afraid to do their best. This is why I’m so excited that 'courage' is one of our school's core values. Courage is incredibly important as kids grow up and face new challenges. I mentioned how often students become followers, too concerned with what others think or afraid of putting in their best effort. This reluctance is often because the work is challenging, and it takes courage to tackle tough tasks head-on.
As I prepare for the final third of my career, I find great joy in helping kids grow and ready themselves for a more independent high school experience. My goal is to make them more self-directed and confident in their abilities. In my remaining five or six years of teaching, I hope to guide them better and see them flourish. It’s an exciting journey, and I’m eager to see what these final years and beyond will bring.
