Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to students entering high school in September.

Congratulations on your impending transition from primary to high school in September. A good education is a valuable asset to help prepare you for adult life. The world in which we live requires the application of strong knowledge, skills, and character.

Your high school years is a critical point in your development. This is the point that will determine how you transition to higher education, entrepreneurship, or skills training and gain good careers. High school education is a critical gateway to success; therefore, make the best use of your time in school. Don’t waste your time and get involved in bad company or take up bad habits.

As a parent myself, I know from experience how hard your parents have to work and the sacrifices they have to make in order to send you to school. Most parents have no large bank accounts or family inheritance to look forward to. The only real inheritance many of us have as parents is the success of our children and the hope that they will help lift us out of poverty in our golden years.

Honour the sacrifices of your parents by applying yourself to your schoolwork. We live in a very competitive world and only the best of the best will reap rich rewards. I know there are many distractions and things to keep you idle, but always remain focused and keep your goals in mind. If you do well in your high school years, you will most likely do well in your adult life.

I want to share a few tips to help you during high school and beyond.

First, choose your friends wisely. While you are in high school, you will form friendships. However, it is important that you associate with individuals of good morals and character. Keep company with people who will inspire and motivate you based on shared values. Don’t keep malice, but keep a safe distance from time wasters and wrongdoers. Bad company can influence you to do things you really don’t want to do.

Second, try to be a well-rounded person. Read widely and engage in extra-curricular activities. Readers are normally leaders. Don’t be afraid to assume leadership positions, but make sure you balance your time with that of your schoolwork.

Third, always obey the school rules, even if you don’t like them. Groom yourself nicely, be punctual for school and classes, and respect other people’s time. Pay close attention to your personal hygiene. Take pride in your appearance, you must always represent yourself and your home well by ensuring that you look good, sound good, act good, and smell good at all times.

Fourth, be careful what you post on social media. Resist the temptation to post sexual, derogatory, or defamatory things on social media. Remember that anything you post will last a lifetime and may hinder your progress in years to come. Manage the time you spend on the phone and don’t use your platform to shame, hurt, and bully others.

Fifth, maintain sexual purity. Sex is an adult activity that comes with a lot of responsibility. As children you must practise abstinence. Don’t let anyone pressure you into having sex as a child. The last thing you want is to disrupt your education to care for a baby or contract a sexually transmitted disease.

Sixth, ensure you get adequate sleep. Set a time at which you go to your bed and stick to it. A well-rested body and mind enhance learning.

Seventh, allocate a time to go over your schoolwork every day. Make it a habit to review what you do at school each day. A study and revision time table will help you to do this.

Eighth, identify someone who can mentor you and learn as much from him or her. Don’t be afraid to dream big and work towards your dreams. Set high but realistic goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable through self-discipline.

Ninth, accept the school that you have been placed and be proud of your new school. You may not have got the school of your choice, but know that you can bloom anywhere you are planted. The curriculum used at your school is the same curriculum used at the other schools, and the qualifications of the teachers are basically the same in all schools.

Tenth, develop the habit of saving. Open a savings account for children at one of the banks or credit unions. You may be struggling and don’t have much, but put aside a small portion of the little you have. Over time your little savings will come in handy.

As you prepare to enter one of the most transformative periods of your life, always remember to love and respect your parents. Be respectful to everyone, especially adults and authority figures. Don’t try to outsmart your parents by lying to them. Always be open and honest with your parents. Be satisfied with what your parents can afford to give you to go to school. Don’t grudge your friends for what they have. Make use of your first chance of a good education because you may not get a second one.

If you stay humble, respectful, passionate, and persistent throughout your high school years, I promise you that a bright future in the adult economy awaits you. Congratulations again, and all good wishes throughout high school and beyond. The word is always love for our children.

Andre’ A O Wellington

Dean of discipline

Alston High School

Clarendon

andrewellington344@yahoo.com