18 lagunabeachindy . com SEPTEMBER 16 , 2022
GUEST OPINION
What ’ s in Your Backpack ?
Empress Builders welcomes you to join our Tennis Baseball Game
Friday , October 14th from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Alta Laguna Park .
Fun for the whole family . See you there !
Use QR code to RSVP by October 1st
917 Glenneyre Street , Ste . 8 , Laguna Beach • 949.339.3400 info @ empressbuilders . com • www . empressbuilders . com CSLB License # 1077170
BY REBECCA WASHINGTON-LINDSEY
The last few years of school have been challenging ; virtual learning , wearing masks and taking a COVID shot .
But this year promises to bring some measure of normalcy . I remember the excitement of going back to school in my formative years . I got new shoes , outfits , a backpack , writing instruments , and a journal . Most of you will follow the same patterns . Students , your parents have already planted seeds for how to be a successful student :
• Stay focused
• Be organized
• Study hard
• Prepare each evening for the next school day ( put your clothes out and pack your backpack )
• Develop a positive teacher relationship
• Have a positive mindset
But , I have found that other factors will make your school year successful . Below are samplings of what I also packed and what I pack in my backpack today .
Patience
It ’ s a challenging skill to learn . It is the ability to control your actions , feelings , and attitudes , especially in any interpersonal communication . For example , when you are assigned a group project , and it isn ’ t done to your specifications . Or when planning a sport and team member didn ’ t use the winning strategy you thought they should . Or when your teacher spends too much time on a topic you deem unnecessary to the class . Instead , try this . * Breathe deeply * Count * Chill out The world does not revolve around you , and the sooner you pack this in your backpack , the better you will be in school and the workplace .
Kindness in words and deeds
Kindness and compassion go together like a glove to a hand . Doing an act of kindness to someone who may be upset , distressed , sad , hurting , or disappointed can be exhilarating and will make your day and theirs fruitful . How do you act out kindness ?
* Kindness is whispering a word ( s ) that uplift another
* Doing a well-thought-out deed that encourages or builds someone else up . For example , your classmate received a “ D ” on a quiz . Instead of saying , “ That ’ s too bad , try harder next time .” How about saying , “ We can get a study group together , and I ’ ll be glad to study with you .” Those are words of encouragement . “ Too often we underestimate the power of a touch ( friendly ), a smile , a kind word , a listening ear , an honest compliment , or the smallest act of caring , all of which have the potential to turn a world around .” ~ Leo Buscaglia
Friendliness
It is often said , “ to have friends , you must be one .” I maintain , “ to attract one who is friendly , you must first be friendly .” There is a difference . Being friendly is a learned behavior . It means being amicable , fair , cooperative , and nice .
Students , I understand that there are days when events in your life drown out being friendly . But you can try these tips . * Smile at people . * Introduce yourself to new people . * Invite a new student to join your conversation . * Give a sincere compliment . * Be polite . * Offer to help someone else * Be a good listener . * Control your temper . Sometimes taking your mind off yourself and focusing on how to be friendly really helps your day go along much smoother .
Accept others who don ’ t look like you - be cross-culturally friendly
As our country increases in international growth , it becomes ever more important to be friendly to those from diverse ethnicities , also called being cross-culturally friendly . This means being brave and taking bold steps out of your “ comfort ” box . In the end , you will build character and leadership skills . So , what steps should you take ? Let ’ s identify five simple ones : * Introduce yourself ( so basic ). * Be authentic . * Be open to acknowledging differences and focus on similarities . We all smile and cry . We all matter . * Be respectful . * Be inclusive in your gatherings and be genuine . These steps are life-changing .
Show Gratitude
Students , there are times when your life will get caught up in the hustle and bustle of student life . That happens , and if it hasn ’ t , just hold on because it will . It ’ s challenging to show gratitude . Remember there are a lot
REBECCA , page 20