Embracing Change

This whole year has been about learning to adjust to slightly new or challenging situations, I feel. All of us have come a long way and we've seen some incredible achievements despite quite daunting challenges. Take, for example, how the Talent Show at our school went. As I recall, most talent shows in the past, Christmas programs, and other events of this importance were usually entrusted to a talented teacher to figure out before, but since this option was not available this year, students were graciously given the opportunity to lead the way, and the results were wonderful! That was the best talent show I have seen at GCA, not only because the show went smoothly, or the performances were great, but because the students were all really excited the whole way through. I'm going to long remember Casey, Hank (and George) with their music, and thanks to other students like Michelle, we have a good example going forward of student leadership and creativity.

There are other examples of uncomfortable change all around us, from the freakish typhoons in the area (the Philippines got hit with the worst one EVER recorded within the last year) to weirdos with guns (California) or knives (Taipei's mrt). It feels like the world is getting worse - or is it?

My theory is the world has always been messed up, and we are simply getting more up-to-the-minute news of it from around the world more easily. All I know is that the feeling that the world is bad and getting worse is nothing new, and that the best thing you can do is be prepared to be flexible, because change will be needed if you are to cope in the world as an independent person.

Speaking of independence, congratulations to the graduating seniors! I liked what I saw in terms of advice to underclassmen on the individual blogs - we should make sure they read it! If I have time later, I will summarize them below, but my favorite one was from "Sigmund": STUDY HARD if you want a good senior year. Good, simple advice!

My advice to you, going forward, is to Embrace Change - be ready to change your viewpoints, habits, and self. If you want to change the world, start by changing yourself!