Students often sit in class that first week of school doing ice breakers, they walk through the halls waiting for the end of the day, and many have that dreadful feeling of knowing that this will be life for the coming year. What keeps them going?

The method some use and find helpful are personal philosophies. A personal philosophy can be anything from “I can do this” to something more complex like “Live long and prosper” (Ava, 7th grade). It does not even need to make total sense, as long as it serves its purpose, helping a student through their day. 

The most important part of creating a motto or philosophy is finding the thing that really matters to a student. For some it is grades, others it’s sports; for Mia Ritter it’s her family. “As corny as it sounds, making them proud is extremely important to me. I don’t ever want to disappoint them,” the ninth grader says. Mia beautifully showcases how a personal philosophy does not have to be a saying or quick phrase; that it can simply be what someone thinks about when they are having a rough day and need their “light at the end of the tunnel”. 

However, a personal motto or philosophy does not have to be that profound. Mia then goes on to say that sometimes her previously mentioned motto does not do the trick: “If all else fails, promise yourself something really great when you get done. I usually go with a sweet treat like chocolate bars or something,” she explains. Many would dismiss this as immature or trivial, but that should never stop anyone from doing what they can to get themselves through the day. 

School is only just kicking off, and it will be important, in the long run, to find what keeps you going, even if it sounds childish. It can help students with their personal growth as they persevere through this school year, and may put their stress at ease, even if only for a few moments.