Anyone ever tell you that your freshman year is just to get you adjusted to the demands of high school and start you on your travels to adulthood? Well, they are partly right in telling you that. However, freshman year is the foundation of the rest of your life–academically, personally, socially. What will you make of yourself? How will you set yourself apart? What course will you plot to achieve the dreams you have? Make the most of these opportunities. Think about how your freshman year is a foundation–a springboard to your future. (note: solid trumps quick sand every time!)
F When you begin high school, you have an empty building lot. Work on the foundation to your future–in the classroom, in extracurriculars and in the community. To have the most options when you graduate, be careful how you set your foundation.
O Be open to the possibilities. Never been in a play before? So what–try! Consider a service organization. Use every opportunity–they only come around once.
U Lots of people–adults, older students, siblings, peers will have underexpectations for you. Out performing the underexpectations of others should be your mantra–be the best YOU that you can be.
N Look for new and exciting opportunities.
D Daily commitments matter. Goals are achieved by working toward them on a daily basis.
A Attitude matters. My counselor has a favorite Lou Holtz quote: Ability is what you’re capable of; Motivation determines what you do; Attitude determines how well you do it.
T Take time to enjoy what you are doing. High school should be fun. Yes, it is work–it is really your JOB right now to get the best education that you can. Maximize those opportunities!
I I wish I had . . . Don’t let this be you. Believe it or not, high school will fly by–ask a senior. While it is good to assess where you have been, you don’t want to look back as you graduate and realize that you haven’t made the most of your opportunities.
O Only you can set your future into motion. You must act on the opportunities. The parade can and will pass you by if you don’t!
N Never give up. You might have to change course–flexibility is important to success, but shoot for the stars. Make a plan, alter it when necessary, and keep the forward motion going.
Even if you are just starting out
–you need to realize that your future begins TODAY!L8R,
Clyde
