One Month From Yesterday

In one month (from yesterday), I will be graduating.  Graduating High School, the place I've been for the past 4 years.  The place where I have grown into the person I am today--the student I am today.  The place where bonds were made and some where broken.  The place where my future unfolded before my eyes without me even knowing.  It is unbelievable to think the place I have come to call my "second home" is now just going to go back to being the building I can see outside my kitchen window or from standing atop my diving board.  I say its just going to be a building but I know I will never look at it like that.  There were so many memories made inside that building (while some better than others) that I will never forget.  I give a big shout out to all the teachers who have had my back for the past four years.  They have put up with my tears and my high stress levels.  They gave me those words I needed when I was ready to give up.  They have held my hand through these years and it sure will be empty when I have to let go.  But letting go is okay.  It is time.  I was never the biggest fan of high school to begin with.  So it is time to close my locker for a final time and open up the that next chapter in the book of "me."  I am ready.  One month from yesterday, I will be graduating.

Doonesbury

This cartoon plays off of the attitude of teachers who believe in placing their students on high pedestals even when it is not deserved.  The teacher in the cartoon has a realistic mind set and is putting reality into focus for her students.  She is giving it to them cold and true.  The teacher explains that you have to work for success.  Success is not something that is just going to land in your lap if you give something half your effort.  However, there are teachers out there who will continue to praise their students for not doing 100% or just simply “showing up”.  This attitude is shadowed in other activities such as little league sports.  So the team did not place 1^st, does that mean they shouldn’t receive a trophy too?  If children start out thinking they are going to be rewarded even if they didn’t achieve “first place standards”, why would they try?  If something is just going to be handed to them for showing up, why give extra effort?  That is why this cartoon is so crucial.  Teachers need to start understanding their students need to work for their grade.  Teachers need to see firsthand they can’t just give their students false hope that they are doing exactly what they are supposed to.  Teach them right.  Show them the correct way to achieve good grades.  Then the students will understand the reality of life.  You have to work for what you earn.  It is not just “a-given” that greatness can be achieved.