It's not what you know, it's what you show!

A very wise colleague of mine shared the above title line with me this past week. What a life saver! This is not only good advice for my students, but it's a good principal to follow in general (me included). I guess this phrase falls under "actions speak louder than words" and other such cliches that help us make it through life. The thing is, they really are true!

My motto in class this year has been "No Shortcuts", but I like the above tag line too. Integrity is everything. As a teacher I expect my students to perform and behave with the utmost integrity. Not that I already don't, but I myself should keep in line with that advice and most importantly model those valuable characteristics daily. It is difficult. It's often much easier to just lecture them instead of asking them "Here's the problem... (state the problem). Now, how do you plan to fix this?"

I have quickly come to the realization that while our students must do their best regarding academics, we as parents, teachers, and leaders of our community must teach them to make WISE LIFE CHOICES. I would love to have an elective class where I was able to do such a thing. 45 minutes of focused encouragement and life strategies. Wow - that would be empowering! Today's kids are more empowered than ever, just not in the right way. They are more often NOT empowered with the skills that will make them positive, productive members of society.

Life is not a dress rehearsal and we must live each day as it is... simply a fleeting moment. We should ask ourselves at the end of each day, "What could I have done differently today for someone else and lastly for myself?" I have only 3 months left with my students this year. What will I do differently over those 3 months that will leave a lasting and positive effect on their lives? At this very moment, I'm not sure, but I know that if is it to be... it is up to me.

I pray that my optimism doesn't fade this week.