Here we are again, standing on the precipice of another exciting graduation season. It is a time when many choose to look ahead to the next chapter of their life. For others it is also a time to reflect on their journey that has led to this moment in time.
Making the most of this opportunity to reflect is absolutely crucial in maximizing the possibilities of success in the future.
The perfect balance of looking forward and backward simultaneously and in a complimentary fashion provides the optimal environment to make the most out of our present situation.
As the famous saying goes, “Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift - that's why it's called the present,” realizing the power and responsibility of the present and accepting this reality for what it is, is the key to both our formal and informal education. Allowing yourself to be educated is an often overlooked component of the process. We are faced with a myriad of potential learning opportunities on a daily basis, only to squander or even choose to ignore them. Frequently, excuses for lack of performance are offered instead of solutions, solutions that are a natural outgrowth of thoughtful reflection and individual accountability. Soaking up these daily opportunities to learn is a choice - and a prerequisite - of excellence. And if given the chance - why wouldn't you choose excellence.
One person who chose to be exceptional was Tim Russert, the highly regarded political analyst for NBC News who passed away earlier this month at the age of 58. While the story of his untimely death is tragic, by all accounts Russert lived his life to the fullest.
I was inspired by hearing more about his life, the way he lived, the choices he made and the things he paid attention to. Given that he was widely regarded as the best at what he did, I was very interested in his story.
In many ways Russert's story is a phenomenal example of how attitude and choice can fuel achievement, how embracing and learning from your circumstances can make you stronger than you thought possible.
So what can we learn from Russert's example? For starters, we know that the son of a garbage man from Buffalo can transform himself into the most influential and respected political commentator/analyst of his generation; the man that anyone who wanted to be President had to withstand a withering barrage of well constructed, objective questions from.
Russert didn't shy away from his humble beginnings, he embraced them. His best-selling book “Big Russ and Me” was a moving tribute to his father, and the work ethic he instilled in his son through years of example.
We can make that same choice. In talking about Russert's leadership style, many of his colleagues mentioned his propensity to regularly ask people to “tell me what you know.” This insatiable curiosity to learn something new was a powerful factor in making himself and those around him better. We can make the same choice.
Finally, his absolute commitment to always be the most prepared person in the room served him well. We might run up against people more gifted than us, but work ethic and preparation are things that are our ability to control. Again, we can make the same choice.
In summary, Russert was a man who took pride in his roots, loved his family, used his gifts to raise the bar for the people around him and prepared himself to be ready to succeed. Unfortunately, we will no longer get to watch the great Tim Russert in action on “Meet the Press” each Sunday morning.
Fortunately, we can reflect on his blueprint for a successful life, both personally and professionally.
In order to benefit fully from the example of Tim Russert and others like him, we must allow ourselves to learn.
As our seniors prepare to walk across the stage, my greatest wish is that they will choose to be opportunists rather that excuse-makers, to be learners instead of passive victims of circumstance, to ask the tough questions and confront the real answers, to find the strength to live out their full potential - like Little Russ did #- with style.
Good luck! Make us proud - more importantly, make yourself proud!
Shawn Bissetta is principal of Dana L. West High School in Port Byron.
The perfect balance of looking forward and backward simultaneously and in a complimentary fashion provides the optimal environment to make the most out of our present situation.
As the famous saying goes, “Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift - that's why it's called the present,” realizing the power and responsibility of the present and accepting this reality for what it is, is the key to both our formal and informal education. Allowing yourself to be educated is an often overlooked component of the process. We are faced with a myriad of potential learning opportunities on a daily basis, only to squander or even choose to ignore them. Frequently, excuses for lack of performance are offered instead of solutions, solutions that are a natural outgrowth of thoughtful reflection and individual accountability. Soaking up these daily opportunities to learn is a choice - and a prerequisite - of excellence. And if given the chance - why wouldn't you choose excellence.
One person who chose to be exceptional was Tim Russert, the highly regarded political analyst for NBC News who passed away earlier this month at the age of 58. While the story of his untimely death is tragic, by all accounts Russert lived his life to the fullest.
I was inspired by hearing more about his life, the way he lived, the choices he made and the things he paid attention to. Given that he was widely regarded as the best at what he did, I was very interested in his story.
In many ways Russert's story is a phenomenal example of how attitude and choice can fuel achievement, how embracing and learning from your circumstances can make you stronger than you thought possible.
So what can we learn from Russert's example? For starters, we know that the son of a garbage man from Buffalo can transform himself into the most influential and respected political commentator/analyst of his generation; the man that anyone who wanted to be President had to withstand a withering barrage of well constructed, objective questions from.
Russert didn't shy away from his humble beginnings, he embraced them. His best-selling book “Big Russ and Me” was a moving tribute to his father, and the work ethic he instilled in his son through years of example.
We can make that same choice. In talking about Russert's leadership style, many of his colleagues mentioned his propensity to regularly ask people to “tell me what you know.” This insatiable curiosity to learn something new was a powerful factor in making himself and those around him better. We can make the same choice.
Finally, his absolute commitment to always be the most prepared person in the room served him well. We might run up against people more gifted than us, but work ethic and preparation are things that are our ability to control. Again, we can make the same choice.
In summary, Russert was a man who took pride in his roots, loved his family, used his gifts to raise the bar for the people around him and prepared himself to be ready to succeed. Unfortunately, we will no longer get to watch the great Tim Russert in action on “Meet the Press” each Sunday morning.
Fortunately, we can reflect on his blueprint for a successful life, both personally and professionally.
In order to benefit fully from the example of Tim Russert and others like him, we must allow ourselves to learn.
As our seniors prepare to walk across the stage, my greatest wish is that they will choose to be opportunists rather that excuse-makers, to be learners instead of passive victims of circumstance, to ask the tough questions and confront the real answers, to find the strength to live out their full potential - like Little Russ did #- with style.
Good luck! Make us proud - more importantly, make yourself proud!
Shawn Bissetta is principal of Dana L. West High School in Port Byron.
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