The best way to begin the school year is to START SMART.
But what exactly does it mean to START SMART? It’s recognizing that it’s not enough to be “school-smart.” One has to be, above all, “life-smart.”
A New School Year’s resolution is not only about getting better grades; more importantly, it involves becoming a “better me.” However, a “better me” cannot be purely defined in terms of academic success – passing long tests and examinations with flying colors and getting straight A’s in the report card. A “better me” means most especially the development of a good character.
Personal Development Grades have to be valued as much as academic grades. Personal formation activities such as confession, spiritual direction, meditations, recollections, retreats, batch seminars and outreach activities should be considered as important as one’s attendance in academic classes. The development of good character lies at the heart of everything we do in Woodrose. What is the reason for this?
A Stanford University research conducted by Psychologist Carol Dweck, who has spent her entire career studying attitude and performance, shows that one’s attitude, which is the result of one’s character, is a better predictor – than one’s IQ – of one’s success in school, in the university, in the workplace, in the family, and life in general.
By deliberately and steadily developing character with intellect into the curriculum, Woodrose, together with the teachers, mentors and staff, is maximizing the chances of her students leading happy, healthy, and worthy lives.
Did you watch the movie Spiderman? Do you remember the words of Green Goblin to Spider-Man? “We are who we choose to be…Now choose!” Our character determines our attitude and the choices we make. It has been said that “Attitude is Power.”
Quoting Albert Einstein:
- “Most people think that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong. It is character.”
While he specifically refers to the makings of a great scientist, we know that this principle applies to all situations in life: You can choose to study hard or be mediocre; you can choose to read a good book or read trash; you can choose to watch or write something good or something that can be harmful to yourself or others.
May I invite each of you to come up with your own “Character-Building Goals List” for school year 2019-2020? Allow me to offer some suggestions using our Core Values as signposts:
- Make God the most important Person in your life by making prayer a permanent part of your daily schedule.
- See Christ in others, making respect, charity, and kindness your trademark attitude in dealing with them.
- (Borrowing another school’s motto) Be a Woman for Others through acts of service.
- Strive to get good grades through hard, honest work.
- Spread positivity and cheerfulness around you: Help put smiles on people’s faces and joy in their hearts.
When I gave my Start of the School year Speech to the faculty and staff, I presented the following tagline: “A Better Woodrose Starts With A Better Me.” Realize that when all of us – including you, my dear Woodrose students – work toward becoming a “better me,” you contribute not only to a better Woodrose, but also to better families, communities, societies, and, yes, a better world.
Start SMART by drawing up your Character-Building Goals List.
End SMARTER by turning these goals into reality. May you fill this school year with smart choices!
Good day to all you. I am looking forward to an exciting and awesome school year with you.