As adults, we know that our lives are comprised of a series of tests. We may not call them "tests" but everyday we are challenged in unexpected ways that push us beyond our level of comfort. We have to make deadlines at work, manage the household, take care of the children, take care of ourselves, and the list goes on and on. Daily life tests our patience, our persistence, our ability to get back up and do again, even when we just need a break. These hurdles that students face that create stress.....It's practice. It's practice in the safety of adults, it's practice for them to see they will rise up to the challenge, it's practice for them to know that they are more independent and self-reliant than they think they are. It's practice for when they are adults and have to everything that we do everyday.
One of our wellness teachers comes into the AP exams before they start and does some brain gym type exercises. At the end of sequence of activities, all of the students repeat a saying "I will do my best, and that is always enough." He talks about the power of self-talk and how what you believe is what becomes. It's a good reminder for us all. We can do it. And we will.
