Young World - December 2012
Stay Focused
In this time of the year, it is almost unimaginable to get through a 24-hour period without someone or
something reminding you that this is the Christmas season. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if the reminders
pointed to the true meaning of the season. Instead, we are bombarded by the commercial aspects of the
holiday shopping season. While all the world pauses to bow to the shopping gods, the drama of the young
world continues on. Relationships, friendships, hardships, quizzes, tests, projects, papers - all continue on
right up until Christmas break. How do young people manage to stay focused during this period between
the Thanksgiving Break and the Christmas Break?
Young people, this is the point where you realize the great job parents and teachers do in making sure
you are not overcome by the distractions of the season. Were it not for the concerted efforts of parents
and teachers, many grades would slip or drop drastically during this time of the year. To simply say, “Stay
Focused” is not quite enough. More specifically, students need to hear, “Stay Focused on Academics!” In
schools across Fairfield County, there is a significant decrease in the number of students who achieve A-B
Honor Roll designation in the 1st semester compared to the number of students achieving Honor Roll
designation in the 2nd semester.
This plea is for young people to maintain your academic focus during this holiday term. Celebrate the
season, enjoy the lights, relish the cheerful atmosphere, love and laugh with family and, most importantly,
Be Thankful for all that you DO have (please)! But, do all of this at the appropriate time. Unto every “thing”,
there is an appointed season. Your appointment for this season is to put forth your best effort in all that you
do – academics, arts, athletics, you name it. Your “best” effort does not simply mean better than everybody
else. Your “best effort” means that you are better today than you were yesterday. And, better tomorrow
than you are today – constantly working your hardest to improve yourself. I pray that this season restores
your joy and renews your faith! Have a Merry Christmas!
Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.
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