Mahatma Gandhi was once quoted as saying ‘The future depends on what you do in the present’. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately.

How can I make life easier for my future self? What can I be doing today that is going to open doors for me tomorrow?

School is not the destination for our young people. Rather it is part of an incredible journey of discovery. During their time at school, our students have the have opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills through a variety of subjects; interact with diverse people who are keen to mentor and guide them; and try new things in a safe space where failure is not only accepted but embraced.

If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to use those precious days at school to learn, learn and learn some more. Learn more about myself, learn more about others, learn more about the world, learn more about my values, learn more about my Creator. And to learn you need to step out of your comfort zone and explore new places, people and experiences. Sign up for the student theatre club, join the school band, play a different sport, attend the student prayer group, and meet a new person. Will it be hard at first? Perhaps, but it will also be worth it because you've knocked on new doors leading to new paths.

Students, it's very easy to allow each day to be much like the day that has preceded it, but I encourage you to do something today that broadens your world tomorrow. Who knows? Your future self might just thank you for it!

Carly Brouwer — Pathways Coordinator