Another school year has come to an end. As we move forward into the summer months, I want to express my gratitude to our educational staff and community for making Granby a wonderful place to live and raise kids.
The last two weeks of school I spend a lot of time speaking at events and visiting the schools for events and it is always a joy to see students thriving and teachers and staff beaming with pride. I had the honor to speak at the graduation ceremony, where I took the opportunity to speak about something I’ve had on my mind lately—the impact of fear and how it can limit our success.
As I said to our graduates and attendees at the ceremony, an opportunity of lifelong lessons awaits them and the reality is that education doesn’t stop at school. Each person we meet, each conversation we have, each opportunity that we seek or that presents itself in any way is an opportunity to learn. I challenge us all to do so bravely and to question any bit of internal fear. As opportunities and challenges present themselves, there is one certainty I can share: I have never regretted anything I have done if it challenged me to face something I was afraid of doing when I knew it would help me toward my goal.
Fear of failure, fear of making mistakes, fear of embarrassing yourself, fear of facing something or someone unfamiliar or fearing the unknown is the most effective way we prevent ourselves from achieving our goals. But it can all be conquered if you gather that boldness inside you and move bravely toward that goal. It really helps when you have those magical people—teachers, friends, parents, mentors, coaches—to back you up. Find your people and always hang on to those people that give you strength.
As you move forward, keep those memories of where you came from, what you can accomplish, who helped you along the way, the courage you have within you and, most importantly, the genuine person you are.
Spend time this summer with the great people in your life and community (and read some books, too!) And rest up. A new year of experiences will be here in no time at all.