Lessons from Finland

http://thomstecherandassociates.blogspot.com/2013/12/lessons-from-finland.html?m=1

Give Your Whole Heart

"As we let our light shine, we
unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others." -Marianne Williamson

Give your whole heart in everything you do. Whether it's sports, homework, clubs, or your job; do it wholeheartedly. Let your inner light-warm, bright, and beautiful-shine through in everything you do. When you act from your heart and when you let your inner light guide you, you give other people the courage to do the same. There is genuine beauty in a person who can give their authentic self to others with grace and confidence. God created you a unique individual, meant to differ from the rest. Your true self is beautiful and needed in this world.

An eye for an eye

"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." -Mahatma Gandhi

I've always believed in being good to people regardless of if they have been good to you or not. If another person treats you with unkindness, disrespect, speaks poorly of you, or harms you in any way: that isn't about you. That is an innate conflict they are dealing with. Have empathy while recognizing this, and send love and understanding in their direction. You're probably thinking, that's SO hard...and I agree. It is hard to do sometimes depending upon the severity of the emotional or physical pain they inflicted upon you and it is hard not to be angry and have animosity towards people who treat us wrong, but if we seek vengeance  there will always be this cycle of hatred and negativity. Address the internal pain they are going through and find the strength to forgive and let go. Free yourself of the pain  and put positive energy into the world. We won't get anywhere by treating an unkind act with another unkind act, we must break the cycle and only respond with love and benevolence.

Know Yourself

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." -Aristotle

Intelligence is just speaking from your head, but wisdom is speaking from both your head and your heart together. Knowing your values, your goals, and your needs is a big step in finding out who we truly are as individuals. Once we discover this we learn to never speak with just our heads out of intelligence, but always our hearts as well. Then, our inner light will shine through and touch all those we come in contact with. Your wisdom can inspire others, share what you can whenever possible.

The Other Side of the Report Card

http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2013/08/a_better_education_evaluation.html

Be That One

"Be a blessing to someone today." - Prov 11:25

Often in our daily lives, we don't think about "the little things." We don't consider how holding a door, smiling, or asking "How are you today?" can affect someone. We often say those are just "little" things, and maybe to some of us they are, but to others those simple acts of kindness have a powerful impact.

I once heard a story about a study that was done on the Golden Gate Bridge,  one of the world's most active suicide locations, about a man who wanted just one smile in his direction. He said if one person smiled at him on his way to the bridge or at the bridge, he would not kill himself. ONE person, ONE smile, ONE act of kindness that is thankfully so effortless for us to do.

Be that ONE today to another person today. Smile, say hello, shake someones hand, because you never know...maybe you could literally save a life. Never underestimate the value of being a kind human being.

Is being nice an endangered virtue?

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3624604?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003&ir=Education

Being Wrong

It's not a good feeling to realize you were wrong, and it's really not a good feeling when you realize you hurt people you care about. It may not have been intentional, but it still happened. We as humans must apologize and take responsibility for our mistakes, give those we hurt and ourselves time to forgive and accept your apology, and change yourself to make sure it never happens again. "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Boston Marathon Bombing

May all of us who are safe tonight fall asleep with gratitude, for there are many of our fellow Americans who are morning. The only way to prevent tragedies like these from occurring are to be the change and spread love, kindness, and peace throughout the world. Pray for Boston and those affected at the Boston Marathon.

Rest In Peace, Kim

As we sit here in silent classrooms and weep from your loss,
We remember that you left peacefully and are now with the man on the cross.
So fragile and petite,
Intelligent and sweet,
Energetic and kind,
Always keeping others in mind.
You will be missed by so many.
University of Pennsylvania was your goal, a surgeon you said,
You were always so grounded and bright in the head.
Our hearts are sad and feel the pieces that lack,
We never thought we'd be going to see you wearing nothing but black.
Your life will be celebrated and we will keep you in our thoughts, prayers, spirits,
May you rest in peace and angels lead you to the place they know dearest.

Have fun in heaven sweet angel, thank you for blessing us with the gift of knowing you.
Rest in peace, Kim <3

In School We Need

In school we need to learn more of what it means to be of good character. You can consistently educate me on reading, writing, math, but if I am not kind, respectful, or safe, how can I put this knowledge to use and it be beneficent? We students should not be under the impression that without a strong IQ and a 4.0 GPA that we will not succeed in life, especially because success is defined differently from person to person. We need to be told that it's great to have a notable IQ, but that in the world outside of our education, we will need a strong EQ as well. Relationships and human connection are the beauty in life.

Be Passionate

I spent all of my sophomore year searching for my passion. Every day I woke up and went to school, waiting for it to literally hit me in the face.

School has always put us students under the impression that we will be "successful" and happy later in life if we find our passion in a subject area and then pursue a career in that path. Sophomore year I became stressed out because I had no idea what my passion was. I see kids who are exceptionally intelligent in all academic areas and have the potential to be professionals in any subject they choose. I see lawyers, cops, nurses, and chemists every day. I see everyone as having a place in the world someday..but where does that leave me? Where will my place be? Day after day I sat in class, jaded, prosaic, uninterested, waiting...waiting....waiting to realize what my passion is.

I did not realize my passion until I was a Counselor In Training, or a C.I.T at the LifeSkills Conference in 2012. LifeSkills is a leadership conference that I attended in 2008, 2009, and 2011 as an attendee. I became a part of the Staff in 2012. The LifeSkills Conference Staff is a team of dedicated, inspiring, and energetic individuals who aim for that week, and the days beyond that, to create a better world through teaching the values of respect for self and others, responsibility for everything we think, feel, say, and do, engaging in healthy relationships, and physical and emotional safety. I did not realize until the drive home from the conference that Friday evening that I was made to do this work, at the conference and beyond. This is something I am engaged in, feel inspired, have a desire for more knowledge of, and am  passionate about...and (luckily) it didn't have to literally hit me in the face for me to realize it.

If there's one thing I learned on my quest for a passion in life, it is this: do not search for it. Do not stress over it or beat yourself up. The time will come for everyone where you know in your heart that you have found your purpose. When you do eventually discover your passion, it will be the most remarkable feeling ever.