Have you ever wondered
if the time you spend trying to make a difference in others’ lives is really
worth the effort? Sometimes I simply
have a “pity-party” and even make remarks to myself that sound like this, “I
swear I am just going to stop doing anything!”
However, this past
week was not one of those times. As we
begin the final months of preparation before the graduation of the class of
2014, students, parents, teachers and mentors, like myself, are eagerly
anticipating the “what’s next” for these students.
This past week proved
that when we look outside of ourselves at the children in our community and
remember it is our responsibility to help them along the way, we take pride in
the successes of their “what’s next” in life!
I delighted with joy this week as I learned that several of our seniors
were offered scholarships, several had been accepted to prestigious colleges, several
will soon finish their first year of college while still attending High School
and we are on track to graduate the largest class of seniors in our schools
history. Now, I realize most of these
students have others in their lives that have been instrumental in their
success. Maybe even more than me…but
don’t bust my bubble!
You see, I witnessed
as one student boarded a plane for the first time and I was moved to tears as several
adults gave him advice. One teacher even
helped him download an app on his phone and showed him how to view his boarding
pass. I think we all felt as if a part of us was boarding that plane with him. Another
senior received the “Young Citizen of the Year” award and just like a proud
mother, I caught myself pushing through the crowd to take pictures and glowing
with pride. One student was accepted at the school of her dreams to study swine
reproduction and yes, I rejoiced with her even though it seemed so far away. You see,
it doesn’t matter that they don’t share our last name or live on our street. But what matters most is they are all
encouraged and given the opportunity to become the best they can be. And with
that I say AMEN!
