Published in the February 4-17, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Developmental Asset — No. 39
By Armando Banuelos
Armando Banuelos
When people think of the word “purpose,” their minds lead to the overused question: What is the meaning of life? The answer is simple — follow your heart.
My purpose in life aligns with my passions. As a child, I felt good about myself when I helped others. Whether it was teaching a math concept to a friend or helping my mother cook tamales, assisting others filled me in a sublime joy.
The service opportunities I have at Bellarmine College Preparatory only fuel my sense of purpose to serve others. My school’s motto “Being a Man for Others” resonates deeply in what I believe. As part of the Morgan Hill Youth Action Council, I give back to my community with people who share my same passion. On behalf of YAC, this month’s development asset talks about sense of purpose.
Time management is a skill we all need to master in order to discover purpose. A sense of purpose begins when a time is blocked out to start working on and improving your passions. Without a defined set schedule, your purpose simply becomes a wish.
Instead of wishing you had that good grade in that class or wishing that you could learn how to play the violin, simply begin with a schedule of what you are to do. Blocking out a period of time for yourself is healthy and puts you on the path to finding purpose. Following one’s purpose in life is not that simple. Nevertheless, if you put in your time, sweat and heart into it, I guarantee that you will find a sense of purpose.
Armando Banuelos is the vice president of the Youth Action Council.
Caring School Climate — No. 5
By Jorge Murrillo
Jorge Murillo
I believe that schools should maintain a caring school climate. School goes on for an average of seven hours a day, five days a week.
A student’s school environment alone can dictate that student’s academic future. If the student attends a school with a caring and encouraging environment, that student will feel as though he belongs there and will be more encouraged to seek success in fields and become people in professional positions.
However, if a student attends a school that radiates negative energy, that student will correspond school and education with negative energy, and will not care to be productive.
Without a caring and encouraging school environment, the school can feel like a prison. Schools like those are characterized with bullying. They also have teachers that are not too dedicated to teaching. The students may end up associating that negative vibe with school and education in general. As a result, those students will not value education and might end up as high school dropouts. In schools such as those, the students are more likely to take part in dangerous and/or illegal activities such as being in a gang or using drugs.
During a lifetime, an 18 year old who does not complete high school earns about $260,000 less than someone with a high school diploma and contributes about $60,000 less in lifetime federal and state income taxes. And that is just a high school diploma I’m talking about. When schools are filled with teachers who are dedicated to instructing their students the best and most they can, then the students will feel it immediately and are more likely to strive to learn more. They will be encouraged to stay in school and possibly go past high school into college, where they will pursue a degree.
The students will also be more encouraged to go to college and live a successful and productive life than if they were to go to a school that feels uncaring and does not positively encourage them.
If all schools were to focus on developing an encouraging and caring school climate, we would most likely see a huge decrease in the high school drop out rate and a large increase in people in professional positions. We would see less crime and less spending on food stamps, housing assistance and public assistance. We would see a more productive and insightful world.
Jorge Murillo is a member of the Morgan Hill Youth Action Council.
