By Rusty Potter
It’s that time of year again – back to school!
A new school year is a new opportunity. Student, I want you to get excited about your education. Take your education seriously, because your education can help determine the direction of your future.
Don’t be casual when it comes to learning. If you don’t take your education seriously, you could eventually become a casualty of your own lack of preparation. Make a decision today that this will be one of your best school years ever.
Here’s a quote I want you to remember:
“Education is not just preparing you for a test; it is preparing you for life.”
Students, walk into your classrooms with an attitude of expectation. Ask questions. Pay attention. Do your assignments. Read. Study. Learn something new every day. Let your mind be like a sponge – ready to soak up knowledge.
And remember: Readers are leaders.
Teachers, this message is for you, too. Be excited about another opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life. You may never know which student sitting in your classroom today will become tomorrow’s doctor, lawyer, teacher, business owner, engineer, pastor, or community leader. Give them your best.
Parents, you are an important part of your child’s education. This School year gives you another opportunity to get involved. Help with homework. Ask about assignments. Attend school events. Encourage your children when they are struggling. When children see their parents taking an interest in education, it sends a message: ” Your education matters”.
I remember when my mother, Mrs. Caroline Potter, invested in a set of encyclopedias for our family when we were children. Those books represented knowledge sitting right there in our home.
Fast-forward to 2026. Those encyclopedias could fit in my shirt pocket – because technology has put an incredible amount of information at our fingertips.
Students, embrace technology, but use it wisely. Don’t just use technology to entertain yourself. Use it to educate yourself. Research. Explore. Discover. Learn.
A new school year is a fresh start. Whatever happened last year, you have another opportunity to do better, learn more, and become better.
Students, teachers, and parents – let’s work together to make this a great and safe school year.
Take education seriously. Your future is worth it.
