In education, there are two “new years” to celebrate each school year. The first comes in early September when students return to school to start their studies in a new classroom, school or program. The second, just recently celebrated, begins with the passing of a calendar year and the welcoming of a new year. Both offer times to renew, reflect, and revitalize.
For all students (and staff for that matter), I offer the following as ways to renew, reflect, and revitalize.
1. Set goals. For students in an alternative setting, short-term goals work best. Instant gratification. Goals are only goals if they are written down, realistic, measurable, and attainable within the set time period. Action steps help define the goals, and give the learner a pathway to the short-term success.
2. Reflect. What goals did you set in September for your school achievement? What progress have you made toward attaining those goals? If you aren’t where you had hoped, what interfered with that progress? How will you change your actions, thoughts, or behaviors so that your progress will be in line with your goals? What steps will you need to take to avoid those same pitfalls?
3. Revitalize. Try something new. Dream big. Believe. Give back: there is always someone less fortunate than yourself. Learn to look ahead. Let go of the past. Look forward to something, and reward yourself for getting there. Be the most positive person you’ve ever met.
4. Do the right thing. Always. Even when it’s more fun to run with the crowd, or more important to save face, what really matters is your integrity. Be honest in all that you do; it will help you like that person looking back at you in the mirror.
Let 2012 be a new beginning for you. If it’s setting goals or just reflecting on what needs to be changed a bit from the first new year, set aside the time to make 2012 your best year ever in public education. It’s your life. Take charge of it and just see if you can amaze yourself this year.
