Now that this school year is underway, we as students are interacting with school staff and each other. We might be facing frustrating moments of losing our lunch table or having to speak in front of the class or not getting asked to a school dance. Through these experiences, we can choose to be cynical or choose to look on the bright side. The bright side is that we are getting an education. The bright side is that every time we are inconvenienced, we are given the opportunity to find something positive and cling to it. We can sit and pout or we can look for opportunities. We can mind our own business or we can reach out to our friends in need. 

  

This year, focus is being put on creating relationships with the people around us. As safety continues to be a huge topic in our schools, the conversation is now moving towards how we can be inclusive and stop threats before they even occur (pg. 13). At Glendale, we want to spread awareness about the tough topics. Depression and anxiety are a reality for many students. This means that no one is alone in what they are feeling. Suicide rates have reached extreme highs, and we need to talk about what we are feeling before we turn to something unhealthy. We have to stand together to support each other even when it seems that hope is lost (pg. 22). 

  

The Butterfly Effect is a theory that all of our actions can have a significant impact on something or someone else of which we are not even aware. This concept is something that I think we should all keep in mind as we are interacting with those around us. Kindness goes a long way, and there are Glendale students that really know the meaning of kindness. The Quill this year is putting a spotlight on students who know how to answer the question, “How do you show kindness?” (pg. 47). I hope that this gives inspiration to Glendale about how we can positively affect the lives of those around us. 

  

That may mean that we compliment another person’s outfit (pg. 39). Maybe we tip extra the next time we are served a great meal (pg. 34). Maybe we decide to call up our grandma and cook something together (pg. 36). Within our sports, we can take the extra time to shake our opponent’s hand. We can show them respect before we play our best against them on the field or court (pg. 31). Whatever it may be, we can always find a way to leave a positive impact on the people around us. 

  

I am writing this letter in an effort to share with you all that you do matter. What you say and the way you act will always affect those around you. You can choose whether or not that impact is positive or negative. 

 

I encourage you to think about how you are coming across to those around you. How are others coming across to you? Is there anything you can do to make things even the slightest bit better for the school environment? What can you do to help out the community? There are many service opportunities in Springfield including a new community for helping the chronically homeless (pg. 19) and an international program for high schoolers hoping to make a difference (pg. 23). 

  

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Quill and take to heart what it means to be part of the Glendale community. Flock is family, and family means nobody gets left behind. 

 

With love,