January...it's a month where many of us set out to make ourselves better through New Year's Resolutions. There's even a new commercial from Special K about how we've turned January into gross health shakes and bad fish recipes. Then, of course, it suggested eating their healthy Special K bars and whatever else they're selling would help you get started on your New Year's Resolution. Having worked in television advertising for almost three years of my life, I would have to say this was an effective commercial (if you can remember the brand and the main message, it was a good commercial). Anyway, it got me to thinking about my resolutions.
First, I resolved to get three work-outs each week. I've been doing better, but still have work to do. I also resolved to drink less Mountain Dew (also a lot of work to do there). As I was thinking about these, my amazing wife told me about a message her friend had posted on social media about simply wanting to be a good person, smile at people, and be willing to help when she sees someone in need. As she shared this, I thought "How great are those resolutions?" So, while my resolutions were mainly centered around myself and how to make myself a better person; this person was thinking about bettering both herself and those around her. I immediately updated my resolutions...So, if you see me out and about and I'm not smiling, please feel free to call me out on it. If you need help, please don't be afraid to ask! And of course I'll continue to strive to be a good person in every situation.
Speaking of good people, I don't know if our Criminal Justice students also set some sort of resolution or not for 2018; but I do know we've got some REALLY good people in that program (and all of our programs, for that matter). Case in point, today we had some issues with our building-wide recycling project. Mrs. Heather Brickner and her students graciously gave their time and efforts to collect all of the recycling from every room in our building (and did an awesome job)! But when they went to bring everything out to the bin, they found that it was gone (it was being emptied by the awesome folks at Van Wert Solid Waste Management). Mrs. Brickner's students had dedicated their entire "Advantage Period" (normally reserved for extra help to our students in their academic or lab classes), and now had to get back to class. I asked them to leave the recycling they'd collected in our dedicated Recycle Room, and I would find a way to get it out to the bin after it returned. The end of the day was approaching quickly, though, and you all know what happens to a big pile of recyclables in an enclosed space overnight right!?
As I walked through the halls saying hello to a few students and classrooms, I heard Mr. Zach Miller and his Criminal Justice students heading into the high school office. They were working on getting things ready before Sophomore Visit Day (which we're all very excited about for Friday, February 2nd). In asking them what they were doing, I found that they had a few plastic items that they wanted to recycle, so I saw my opening and asked Mr. Miller if they might be willing to take what I called a "few recyclables" (I may have left out the word hundred somewhere in there) outside with them. They saw right through me, and knew what I was asking. It didn't matter. They all smiled and said they'd be glad to help.
The job was much bigger than any of us anticipated; but the kids all fought through a bad wheel on one of the carts, cold/windy weather, and a lot of loose cardboard to help get the recycling into the bin outside. Of course, being our future law enforcement officers, I should have known they'd be willing to go out of their way to assist in any way possible. Big thanks again to Mrs. Heather Brickner and her students, as well as Mr. Zach Miller and his students. And a big thanks to ALL Vantage students for playing their part in making us what we are. I know around 50% of our students have helped collect recycling over the past 2 years, and those that haven't have still made an effort to make sure they sort recycling from trash in whatever classroom/lab they might be in. It really does make a difference, and really is appreciated. I continue to be amazed by how professional these young men and women are in helping to make sure Vantage Career Center continues to be a beautiful, environmentally (and socially) friendly place.
Whatever your resolution might be, keep those thoughts of being a good, smiling person who's always willing to help in mind. If you need an example, just stop into the High School office Vantage sometime and I will be glad to help introduce you to about 400 of them. Have a great rest of the week, and help make someone else's week great while you're at it!
In my last post a few weeks back, I wrote about always finding the silver lining, and realizing that tomorrow's a chance for a new (and better) day. Over the holidays, the Vantage family lost two wonderful recent graduates way too soon, and I will admit that it's been tough to find the positives in these situations. However, one positive aspect I am certain of is that I am a better person from having taught/worked with both of these smart, caring and overall good people! Both were extremely hard working, and lead by the example of their dedication and willingness to listen while doing all of the right things (for themselves and anyone around them who asked). Thank You Marcus and Nicki for all that you meant (to Vantage, your families, your friends, and your communities), and all that you will continue to represent to all of us. You are, and will always be missed!
