Does The Aim Matter?

I recently read that success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. Although I think that success is truly defined by an individual’s perception, I was intrigued to see the word “aim” used.  This became even more of a “there you go” moment with the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2014.

As we stood on the platform presenting each student with the promised $100, I thought about what the future held for these young people. Walking across the stage was indeed an accomplishment for the 117 out of the 130 smiling eighth grade students that started this journey with me. However, getting to this stage took many different paths.

While some breezed their way, others struggled and a few even tiptoed, barely making it.  Yet, each one received a similar diploma and all the $100 bills looked the same.  So what was the difference?  Could it have been their aim?

The valedictorian stated that she had been working for that moment since she was in Elementary school.  Her goal or aim of becoming valedictorian constantly stayed on her mind.  Several students mentioned their aim was a certain college or career while other’s aim was to serve our country in a particular branch of service. Yet some students’ aim was simply to graduate.

Now, do I feel that one student’s aim made him or her seem more successful? If honest, our society, would say yes.  But, you see I know some of the story’s behind the stories. Many of those whose goal was simply to graduate did so with much adversity. A few walked across the stage as the first family member to do so and that was truly a success. And some of those who “breezed” through had no more ambition than those who tiptoed.

What I do know is that we made a commitment and that commitment was kept. I also am 100% sure that our aim or purpose was to encourage and support our local school while helping to increase the high school graduation rate.  What we witnessed was the largest graduating class in the school’s history.  Did we aim high?  You bet your sweet bippy. Were we successful?  It depends if you are looking through the eyes of the 117 or the tears of the 13.

It Takes A Community

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We often hear a mother’s job is never done.  As a mother and grandmother, I completely understand this statement.  I believe it was former first lady, Hilary Clinton that said, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Although we use the term “community”, I completely agree with the statement and over the last two weeks I have played this statement over many times in my head as I have witnessed it first-hand.

It began as I became aware that several students of the class of 2014 simply didn’t have the money to attend prom. But thanks to a few generous individuals and through the help of social media, we were able to help each student that wanted to attend financially.  We all felt like proud parents as we watched over 100 young people take their “senior walk” the night of prom.

The emotions took a dip as two young men made some decisions that not only will impact the rest of their lives, but left many of us who know and love them in a bewildered state of mind.   

However, the highlight for many in our community came this week as the senior’s presented a slide show of their time at PHS. As we watched many of us laughed, rejoiced and even cried a little. They also received their final high school yearbook and much to my surprise (truly was a surprise), I received the honor of having the 2014 yearbook dedicated to me for my “support”.  As I stood to accept the recognition, I looked over the crowd and at that great group of young people.  It was at that moment, I knew that we as a community had earned that honor.  So many people had helped make this day possible for them, parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, pastors, neighbors and yes maybe even a banker. All I could do through the tears was say, “thank you Jesus”, for our Community!

Shark Tank Experience

Have you ever wondered what the next generation can or will discover?  I recently read that the Polaroid camera came out of a 3-year-old girl's asking, "Why do we have to wait for the picture?"

I was mesmerized this week as approximately thirty seniors from our class of 2014 participated in a “Shark Tank “project lead by an “out-of-the box” economics teacher.  Team after team wooed me with their business plans, energy and creativity in hopes that I, the “Shark Tank”, would invest in their   pseudo company.  I was also intrigued by the sheer imagination of each team.  However, what really caught my attention was the correlation between the “idea” and passion.  Sports enthusiast’s creative ideas came as a result of their love of the game and electronic savvy students created gadgets that aided in their fascination of technology. Those obsessed with the appearance created products to enhance their beauty and those that thrive on high power and speed created “superchips” in hopes of pushing the envelope.

What I really learned was that these days creativity is a more essential skill than ever.  I also learned a valuable lesson. When we as adults encourage creativity and passion in our children, grandchildren and the young people we come in contact with, they will not let us down. They will invent and discover more than our souls can imagine and…remember they will shape and create our future.

Fruits & Gifts

I was taught that each of us is born with unique gifts and talents. I repeatedly heard that our gifts are like a fruit which allows other people to taste, smell and experience a greater good when we use our gifts to help others.

After four years of getting to know the class of 2014 at the local High School, I have been amazed and delighted as I witness the special gifts and talents each one possesses.  Some you recognize immediately, like the gift of leadership. The leaders are the captains of teams, presidents of clubs and of course the class president is definitely a leader.

The less flashy gifts like compassion, are the ones that just hit you when you least expect it. The kindness of one student helping another one tie his tie for the first time or another student offering a ride to a student that couldn't stay for a meeting because the family has no car.

I've also been fortunate to witness the gift of discernment.  This was especially important when a student stated, “they didn't go there because it was wrong”. To which I immediately said AMEN and good for you.

However, this month the gift of exhortation or lifting someone up has been my favorite to witness from this group of young people.  Just today, as only a young person can do, a student loudly proclaimed to me “listen to that big word he is using, he knows he is brilliant” and of course the other young person just grinned from ear to ear. I also had the privilege of being present for the senior superlative’s photos.  I simply was amazed as the young women said to the young men, (many wearing a coat for the first time) how great they looked. I also enjoyed hearing the young ladies complement each other.     

As I left I was reminded about the fruits of the spirit and it occurred to me that even though we are born with gifts, like any gift, it has to be opened, enjoyed and used. A gift unwrapped is of no value.  So today, I prayed a little prayer that each of these young people will not only use their gifts but enjoy them on their journey.

What's Next!

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!     

Value of Personal Responsibility in 2014

Each student was handed a gift envelope in show of our appreciation for their work and commitment to the Youth Advisory Board.   The fact that it was a “money” envelope I assumed indicated “Value”. However, as we left the restaurant, not one… but four (4) envelopes were left on the table.  As I picked up the unopened envelopes my first reaction was aggravation and the overwhelming feeling of the lack of appreciation. These are high school students for heaven sakes. What was more shocking was the fact that only one of the four actually came back for the envelope/gift.

Was it that these students didn’t “need” or want the money?  No, I know these kids.   So what would cause them to simply walk away and leave money on the table?

After having watched these students for the past four years, I realized I had failed them by not allowing them to take personal responsibility. You see, I picked up the envelopes and told each one they had indeed left the envelope and then “re-gifted them.” What did that teach them?  Something they already knew…someone else would take care of them.

However, for many of these students 2014 brings a whole new chapter in life.  Many will leave for college, begin careers and some have even plains to join the military and personal responsibility will take on a whole new meaning.

They say precious life’s lessons can only be learned the hard way…let’s just hope they don’t leave too much on the table.

Little Messes

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Our office recently had the privilege of a visit from the local school children. These sweet little faces gleamed as they sang Christmas carols to the staff, parents and those that simply stopped to enjoy.  As the students were singing, I noticed a teacher leading a sweet little girl by the hand outside and in tow was a sweet little boy. I watched as the teacher smiled and said to the little boy, you want to come too?  With that the little fellow nodded his head. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, just a moment of compassion between a teacher and her students.

As the students left, I also noticed a colleague of mine carrying a mop. Again, nothing was said, just a smile.    However, it was sometime later that I learned what had brought each of them to that moment when their lives took on a deeper appreciation.  You see the sweet little kindergarten girl had a bit of a mishap, the little boy felt compassion, the kind teacher not wanting to draw attention lead both outside, and the coworker saw a need and did what had to be done.  The beauty of it all was that very few even realized what had happened.  Most just smiled and enjoyed the music.

And so it is with life.  Many just sit back, smile and enjoy the music while some, simply do what has to be done to make a difference.  It also reminded me that none of us can succeed without the ones in our lives that help us “clean up our little messes” and for that I am so thankful and feel very blessed.

 

Merry Christmas!