To Be or Not To Be

HIGH SCHOOL.  A frightening place for many young people.  I talk with 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders everyday and am surprised at how unsure, insecure and uncomfortable many students are at the prospect of new, unfamiliar experiences and pending graduations.  These somewhat normal feelings coupled with the strong desire to "fit in" usually leads to the question:  to be a follower or not to be a follower.  Which one are you?  At your 25th class reunion, what will your classmates remember about you?

It's important for young people to realize that high school is scary for just about everybody.  It's okay to feel a little nervous or uneasy about this unknown world that you've heard so much about and probably couldn't wait to start.  You are not the only one who is or has been fearful of getting lost finding your way to a new class, struggling to understand your schedule, remember your locker combination, changing in front of unfamiliar faces for gym class, having the "right" clothes, having to stand in front of your class and introduce yourself and say at least one interesting thing about yourself, or walking down a hallway of upperclassmen and "hoping" no one says something to you. 

It's no question that high school is a culture onto itself.  A place where you realize that you are finally "almost" an adult, a place where you can make lifelong friends and memories, find a sport you really love, discover your passion for science, love of math or fascination with english literature.  A place where you experience homecoming, hay rides, sadie hawkins, yearbook parties, sweet sixteen, spring dance, prom.  A place where you experience more homework than ever, research projects, group projects, essays, oral presentations, PSAT, SAT, college tours, detention.  A place where you can't wait to leave, yet cry uncontrollably at senior farewell and graduation.  A place where you wonder, "do all these adults really care about my education"  and "do I really have what it takes to succeed in life"?  The answer to those questions is YES!!!!  Teachers care about your education and work really hard everyday planning meaningful, interesting and enlightening lessons that challenge your thinking, motivate good behavior and spark your creativity and imagination. 

As you get up everyday and scramble to make it to homeroom on time, will you be the trailblazer or leader, the person who starts a new student-run organization, forms a student council with specific focus on issues relevant to young people, forms a book club, math team, science experiment or community service project, advocates for increased funding, teacher supports and better parent involvement.  OR will you be that other type of person, the follower, one who will undoubtedly look back in life and wish desperately for an opportunity to relive this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

HIGH SCHOOL.  A time to learn, explore, create, develop, organize, produce and construct, all while under the careful watch and supervsion of caring adults.  No matter your personal history, this is the time to believe in yourself, recognize your talents, make an imprint, build a foundation rooted in honesty and hard work, establish a legacy.  I challenge you TO BE the leader, that one that others will talk about EVERY year and not just at the reunion where you have to wear a yearbook photo for others to recognize you. 

Best wishes for this school year and in your trailblazing journey!