"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." Brad Metzler
While there is still some standard activities going on this week with basketball and forensics, I wanted to use this time to speak on something far more important.
You have all read or heard my favorite Doctor quote.
"Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind."
That is a major component of how I live my life and I hope I can instill this thought on those around me. You do not have to be nice to everyone you meet. Some people don't deserve you being nice to them. However, you must never be cruel. Being kind is something that you must pursue at all times. This is because you do not know the story of others around you. You are never aware of what they have been through and what they have seen. Everyone is on their own journey.
Many of you may notice the black bands that I wear. They are in memory of my fellow veterans that have lost the battles with their own story. 22 veterans take their lives every day due to their own internal war. Their own internal struggles that we cannot see and in turn cannot account for in how we interact. This expands to everyone we meet, we do not know the battles those around us are facing but we can show them the kindness that they need. You never know when that moment or act of kindness can save a life.
It doesn't have to be a major gesture. It can be as simple as asking someone how they are doing today, and caring about the answer. That kindness is something that makes us better people. I hope all of you have someone that helps you through your days. Especially the ones that are hard to get through.
Our students at this school exhibit this kindness every day. They help each other without having to be asked. They care about the school and the staff. It has been absolutely incredible being at this school and experiencing how this community cares about each other. Keep on making a difference.
Derek E. Smith
JR/SR High Events This Week: Feb 6-11
Monday:
MS Boys BB vs McLouth@ Home 4:30 pm
Tuesday:
HS Basketball vs P. Ridge @ Home 4:30
League Choir @ Xavier
Wednesday:
FCCLA STAR Event @ Seaman
Thursday:
MS Basketball @ St. Benedicts 4:30 pm
Friday:
Miss Kansas Guest Speaker 8:55
HS Basketball Game @ Maur Hill 4:30 pm
Saturday:
Little Cheer Clinic
C Team Boys Basketball Tournament @ Onaga
Derek E. Smith
One part of this job that is hard at times is the hours dedicated to my Cobra family that sometimes takes away from my home family. Britt and the boys make a point of streaming every game at home and the boys get extra excited when they see me on the screen. Which is heart warming.
When I come home, the phone and email turn off and I am all about the boys and Britt. Our evenings together are filled with laughter and hugs. Our weekends are always filled with mini adventures.
I hear a lot of people talk about work/life balance. I feel as though you will never be happy trying to balance. You have to make the most of where you are all the time. I love every minute I am at the school and taking care of my students and staff. When I am home I put the same level of enthusiasm into my family. Because I do this, I never feel like I am missing out on one or the other. I hope everyone reading this can do the same in their own lives.
Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.
