Class of 2024 Don't Ever Give Up!

If there was ever an image that depicted perseverance and the unwillingness to give up, it would be this one!  The artist of this image nailed it because the illustration speaks volumes.  

When I see this image, I think of the Class of 2024, especially those entering high school during the 2020 school year.   You see, high school for me was such an exciting time.  It was the first time I had the freedom to make more decisions for myself.   I decided how I would manage my time, what sport team I would join and which activities I would participate in.  And at my high school, Simeon there was always something to cheer about that I practically laughed my 4 years of high school away.  So, in 2020 entering high school was anything but normal.  In fact, entering the school wasn’t even an option. The COVID19 pandemic was in full effect and schools were remote.  It sounds so strange writing about it even just 4 short years later, but as we emerge from this cloud of disbelief, we can all attest that it happened.   It was a very scary time in history,  with many unknowns but we pressed forward; the class of 2024 YOU pressed forward.   

Which brings me back to the sentiment of this post. 

Class of 2024 you have mastered the sentiments of never giving up.  You kept going when the world was on fire.  Rules were constantly changed on the fly and you kept it moving.  Shutdowns were happening and you pivoted without hesitation.  I want to encourage you to keep going.  Keep moving forward with whatever you decide to do next.  Whether you are completing a few high school credits that were missed, headed to college or joining the workforce…KEEP GOING!  Remember, the race is never given to the swift, but to the one who can endure to the end.

So as you move forward, I want you to know that there will be more challenges ahead and some may result in failure.  However, if you were lucky enough to play a sport in high school, you know first hand that failure or  “taking an L” presents an opportunity to try again, more intelligently.  So please, don't give up!  Class of 2024 at this point you all have earned a “Degree in Perseverance,” and you are practically certified to teach the rest of us a thing or two.  BUT NOW HEAR THIS…don’t get distracted and take your feet off the gas.  How many times have we watched a game where a team blew a huge lead over their opponent, only to be overtaken and lose the game simply because the other team wanted it more? I want to encourage you to not let your egos get in the way of things.  Stay humble, put your horse blinders on, focus and run your own race.  Remember this: 

“If a task has once begun, never leave it until it’s done. 

Be thy labor greater or small, do it well or not at all.”  

Congratulations 2024, you did it!  Keep going, I am so proud of you!

Your Chief in Cheering!

Tambra