“Wake up each morning with the thought that something spectacular is going to happen. Today is the day you will conquer your dreams. You can either stay in bed dreaming or you can get out of bed and start chasing your dreams. If you don’t get up and chase them, you will never catch them. Start your morning off right. Don’t think of waking up in the morning as a chore. Think of it as an opportunity. Each day you are given the opportunity to start fresh. Each day you are given the opportunity to chase your dreams. Get out of bed and think positive thoughts as you prepare yourself for what life is about to throw at you. Today is a new day. You should make each day better than the previous. Each day is a learning experience. Don’t obsess over the bad things that happened yesterday because they cannot be changed. Instead, apply the lessons you learned to the actions you make today. Work hard and you will achieve greatness. Look at life as a roller coaster with your dreams at the end of it. The ride is going to contain various twists and turns. You are going to encounter ups and downs, but you can determine how you react to these. You can scream in fright or laugh in fun. No matter what, you will overcome these bumps along the way and you will reach your dreams.” –Sara Kinsey (JTHS ’12)

What Students Really Need to Hear
Please check out this link. It is a great read for all students.

"Many times you do not realize how influential and important teachers are until later down the road. Learn to appreciate them while you still have them. Thank them for everything they do for you. Learn to push yourself and don't give up. Every ounce of effort you put in now will pay off down the road. Stop creating excuses, pick your head up, and push yourself to your fullest potential. Don't take the easy way out. Make mistakes and learn from them. Life can be challenging, but it is manageable. You can do anything you set your mind to as long as you believe in yourself. Motivation is key. Starting today, make all of your days count. Live each day to your fullest potential. Go out into the world and make a difference. Always remember… You can. You will. You must." -Sara Kinsey (JTHS '12)

"You are the person you are for many reasons. Your life is comprised of countless variables that have shaped you into the person you are today. Every situation you encounter permits you to learn and prosper. Be thankful for the positive experiences, but also be thankful for the negative experiences because they are what allow you to become a stronger individual. You cannot control where you come from and you cannot change the past. However, you have the ability to chose where you go from here. You have the ability to determine the paths of your future. You need to use your head to make logical decisions, while following your heart. You have the ability to create your own happiness. It is essential to stand up for yourself and fight for what you believe in. Stay true to yourself. When people underestimate your abilities, prove them wrong. Life will knock you down, but you need to get back up and laugh at it. Stay positive, stay determined, and stay motivated. Others may influence your future, but ultimately you are the only person in control of it. Therefore, make the future the future you have always dreamed of." -Sara Kinsey (JTHS '12)

"Dream big and don't give up on your dreams. Dreaming big can be scary, but don't let fear overpower your decision to pursue your dreams. You might be scared that you won't be able to achieve your dreams, but you need to push yourself to your fullest potential. Take on the fear and don't give up. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to, as long as you have the determination to do so. You are going to experience success and failure along to way, but think of your journey as a learning experience. Learn from your failures and turn them into successes. You might fall down a few times along the way, but you need to keep fighting for what you believe in. You need to be strong and create a positive mindset. You are the only person in control of your thoughts, so think positive. Once your mind is in the right place, you will become happier and you will succeed." -Sara Kinsey (JTHS '12)

"The world is full of endless possibilities. Never stop reaching for your dreams. They may be challenging, but don't think of them as hard to achieve; think of them as possible! Dream big, challenge yourself, and push yourself to your fullest potential. The only limits you have are the ones that you put on yourself, so reach beyond the moon. Make discoveries and learn from your mistakes. You have the freedom and the power to achieve anything you set your mind to." -Sara Kinsey (JTHS '12)