When asked to read the article What students need to really hear I began thinking it was just going to be an article bashing students and everything they do. As I began to closely read it I realized that everything in this article couldn't be more true. Life isn't about algebraic equations or learning how to write informational essays. It's about learning how to deal with life when life gets hard. How to deal with gossip, annoyances, and people doubting your capabilities because life isn't going to be any nicer to you after high school. The small problems (large at the time) in high school that you face are going to prepare anyone for after high school. Being applied in school is going to prepare you for the real world. Not writing notes or doing problems in class is quitting; take charge of your life and don't fear a thing. Skipping class is quitting; short term pain can equal long term gain-invest in your intelligence and delay temptation. The main event in your life is not all school-oriented goals. It's real life problem solving which being applied in school can help with.
This article applies to me so much throughout the beginning of high school. Not that I was skipping classes or disrespecting teachers. I blew off homework and didn't care for any school work freshman year. I don't know what happened in between freshman or sophomore year but when I began being active in school I felt more accomplished, and looking back on it I realize how much being applied in school has helped me face problems that aren't school related. School has helped me with real world problems and figuring out a way to solve them effectively and efficiently.
Letters to my future and freshman selves:
Freshman- Dear almost freshman Tanner,
You're about to start high school and these will be the best and worst days of your life. High school is a scary place with rude, vicious people at every single turn. Don't let them change you. Stick to your values and try your very best to always have a smile on your face. DON'T EVER GET IN RELATIONSHIPS IN HIGH SCHOOL . You'll get hurt or you'll hurt someone else and you shouldn't want that so just avoid relationships. Stay above the influence. You shouldn't need to have drugs or alcohol in your life to have fun. Being "plastered" or "blazed" doesn't make you cool. You don't need that stuff in your life to have a good time. Know that you're going to lose friends during your high school career but know that them leaving is probably for the best. You don't need the stress or negativity from rude people. Focus on grades and be studious if you want to do something you enjoy when you're older. You never want to be unhappy. Lastly, keep your head up and spread a positive attitude. You should want to make others happy and doing so will make you happy. Life is too short to be sad all the time. Good luck on your first day tomorrow and remember to smile big.
~ Current Tanner
50 year old self- Dear 50 year old Tanner,
I hope you're happier than ever with your life. I hope you're married with children and possibly grandchildren by now. I hope you've treated your wife like she deserves to be treated. If you are still working, make sure you are happy with what you've chosen to do. If not, change something in your life to be happy. Life is too short to not be happy. I can only wish that you haven't lost the passion or creativity you had when you were younger. Don't lose any of the values you have had throughout the rest of your life. Be different from the rest still. Stay in contact with your family cause they are the best people and they never leave your side. Be fun. You'd never want to be classified as a boring old geezer. You've been a fun person your whole life hopefully so please don't lose that with old age. Spread a positive attitude. Show that you're 50 and your still kicking life in the butt. Be an inspiration to everyone around you because of your happiness.
~ Current Tanner
This article applies to me so much throughout the beginning of high school. Not that I was skipping classes or disrespecting teachers. I blew off homework and didn't care for any school work freshman year. I don't know what happened in between freshman or sophomore year but when I began being active in school I felt more accomplished, and looking back on it I realize how much being applied in school has helped me face problems that aren't school related. School has helped me with real world problems and figuring out a way to solve them effectively and efficiently.
Letters to my future and freshman selves:
Freshman- Dear almost freshman Tanner,
You're about to start high school and these will be the best and worst days of your life. High school is a scary place with rude, vicious people at every single turn. Don't let them change you. Stick to your values and try your very best to always have a smile on your face. DON'T EVER GET IN RELATIONSHIPS IN HIGH SCHOOL . You'll get hurt or you'll hurt someone else and you shouldn't want that so just avoid relationships. Stay above the influence. You shouldn't need to have drugs or alcohol in your life to have fun. Being "plastered" or "blazed" doesn't make you cool. You don't need that stuff in your life to have a good time. Know that you're going to lose friends during your high school career but know that them leaving is probably for the best. You don't need the stress or negativity from rude people. Focus on grades and be studious if you want to do something you enjoy when you're older. You never want to be unhappy. Lastly, keep your head up and spread a positive attitude. You should want to make others happy and doing so will make you happy. Life is too short to be sad all the time. Good luck on your first day tomorrow and remember to smile big.
~ Current Tanner
50 year old self- Dear 50 year old Tanner,
I hope you're happier than ever with your life. I hope you're married with children and possibly grandchildren by now. I hope you've treated your wife like she deserves to be treated. If you are still working, make sure you are happy with what you've chosen to do. If not, change something in your life to be happy. Life is too short to not be happy. I can only wish that you haven't lost the passion or creativity you had when you were younger. Don't lose any of the values you have had throughout the rest of your life. Be different from the rest still. Stay in contact with your family cause they are the best people and they never leave your side. Be fun. You'd never want to be classified as a boring old geezer. You've been a fun person your whole life hopefully so please don't lose that with old age. Spread a positive attitude. Show that you're 50 and your still kicking life in the butt. Be an inspiration to everyone around you because of your happiness.
~ Current Tanner