A Summer Wind-Up

Welcome back - I hope everyone has had a great summer! The temperatures here in Washington should be in the 90s tomorrow – the kind of transitional summer day that most students would rather spend at the pool than in a classroom. Nevertheless, it is that time of year once again!

As summer wraps up, it’s worth taking a pause to reflect on how you’ve spent the past several weeks. How are you different? Did you take part in new experiences? Did you work at a full or part time job, or perhaps in your family’s business?

Did you acquire new skills or hone existing ones? Did you participate in traditions such as a family reunion? Did you travel? Why not jot a list of the things you did, the places you visited, new people you met and old friends you got to spend time with?

As you do, develop an important theme. Ask yourself: have you changed and grown over the summer? Did you take on new or greater responsibilities? Did you contribute meaningfully to your family? To your community? Are you kinder? More thoughtful? More accomplished?

Put some thought into your list. Then, when you’re finished, tuck it away somewhere safe. It will serve as a “memorial” on your journey to becoming the kind of adult you one day hope to be. Creating such a list will also help provide you proactive perspective on how to maximize the coming months both in and out of school.

Here’s to your new school year. May it truly be the best one yet!