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Archive for December, 2024

My “Top 3” List for 2024

Posted in Change, tagged , on December 26, 2024| 2 Comments »

Here we are – a final post for year 15 on Culture of yes.

As another year comes to a close, I find myself looking back at 2024 and all the moments that made it memorable. It’s become a tradition for me to reflect on the year and put together a “Top 3” list—just a quick way to highlight the ideas, experiences, and surprises that stood out the most. 

If you are wondering what you might have missed, here are the previous years Top 3 lists:  2023 (here) 2022 (here) 2021 (here) 2020 (here) 2019 (here) 2018 (here) 2017 (here) 2016 (here) 2015 (here) 2014 (here) 2013 (here) 2012 (here), 2011 (here) and 2010 (here)

This isn’t about covering everything or being overly formal; it’s more like sharing a few of my favorite highlights from the year. So, grab a Booster Juice or settle in to a White Spot Pirate Pak and join me as I look back on what made 2024 special.  

Top 3 “Culture of Yes” Blog Posts which have generated the most traffic this year:

  1.  28 Reasons to Love Teaching from a 28 Year Veteran
  2. Thinking About the Anxious Generation
  3. Taylor Swift’s Masterclass:  Lessons in Leadership for Schools

Taylor Swift’s popularity is everywhere.  If I take a look at this year’s most read posts in a couple of months, the recent post about her will probably be number one. It is just much newer than the others ahead of it.  The 28 Reasons post was probably my favourite post to write, so nice to see it connect so well with people.  How people find this blog continues to be interesting.  For many years Twitter drove much of the traffic, now LinkedIn is a far more common place for people to find it.  And then certain posts, like when I write about parenting or sports, or Taylor Swift, are well shared through Facebook.  Overall the metrics show readership up about 25% year-over-year and numbers are the highest they have been in about a decade.  Still not at the numbers of 2011 – 2014 (the glory days of the edu blogosphere) but great to see that I can still connect with such a strong network.  Interestingly, the least read post this year was The Art of Staying Relevant.

Top 3 Shifts in BC Education in 2024:

  1. Limiting Phones in Schools 
  2. The growth of AI 
  3. Focus on literacy and numeracy

Looking more broadly, like many jurisdictions across North America, British Columbia put in rules to limit the use of technology, and in particular cellphones, during school time.  A couple takeaways from this change for me, 1) It went over very well with not a lot of challenges.  Students quickly adapting to new procedures, and the limits were flexible enough to recognize different rules for different ages and circumstances is important and 2) The fear of some that these changes would push back the thoughtful use of technology in schools did not come to fruition.  Students and staff are still using technology as appropriate, but are in most cases being more intentional.

I have covered AI a lot, including a full post (HERE), just last week.  BC has had a big advantage because of forward thinking work from the Ministry of Education.  The resources are available HERE.

And the refocusing on core learning skills of numeracy and literacy is an important focus, again in BC and beyond.  In part as a result of dipping results in international assessments, in part because of a sense that COVID had a negative impact in these areas, and a reevaluation of the topics that have dominated education conversations, these key areas are being given additional attention.

Top 3 Things I was Wrong About:

  1. Cell phones
  2. In-person meetings 
  3. AI resistance

Always good to think about areas where you have changed your thinking. And sometimes you just have a hunch that proves to be wrong. 

When it comes to cell phones, as I noted above, I expected the limitations on students to be met with more resistance from students (and also parents trying to get ahold of their children).  What happened was it really went smoothly.  Students knowing that other students also didn’t have access during class time seemed to have a positive impact for everyone.  And the flexibility (at least with the rules in BC) to allow technology still for purposeful class use meant digital efforts continued to move forward. 

I finally relented and moved a series of our administrator meetings back to in-person.  I had been a hold out thinking they should continue online. I liked the idea of our staff not having to travel from their schools – the chance to save travel time and also lessen time out of buildings seemed like a win.  What I was missing was that these meetings were an important connection point for people, and the informal meetings that often occur at these sessions are actually crucial.  

And I was sure parents were going to want AI banned in schools.  Not that it is possible, I was just expecting a repeat of the social media conversation from 15 years ago.  It has been completely different.  I think parents see that AI is changing their lives and actually they are often looking to the schools to upskill themselves.  I think our parent education sessions on AI are so well attended in part because parents know they need these skills for themselves.

Top 3 AI Tools for education I have used (not counting ChatGPT):

  1. Brisk
  2. Magic School
  3. Claude

OK, full disclosure.  I had a very similar category last year, and I am using none of the tools now that I wrote about then.  This speaks to the fluidity in the space and how quickly things are moving and new AI tools are emerging.  I am also not calling these free tools, as although they all have free versions, they also have paid versions.  It is dangerous to get hooked on the free version of any of these products, and often features might start as free and move to the paid version or vice versa.  In looking at these 3 tools, I like Brisk particularly for secondary schools and for its integration with Google.  It is really easy to get started with for teachers.  Magic School is our core AI tool in West Vancouver, and it has a simple interface and I like it particularly for younger students as you can turn off and on specific parts of it.  And Claude is one I use more and more with writing.  It is  a competitor to Chat GPT and I find they offer a good contrast when looking for feedback.  I often use them in tandem with my writing.  Before publishing this post, both Claude and Chat GPT were used to get feedback.  

Top 3  TED Talks I watched this year that pushed my thinking:

  1.  What is AI Anyway?

2. How the US is Destroying Young People’s Future

3.  Sport Leadership:  Are We Lost?

Top 3 artists for me according to Spotify this year:

  1.  Paul Simon
  2.  Simon and Garfunkel
  3.  The Beatles

Not much to see here – other than for all the things that change in the world, my music tastes are not one of them.  The Beatles snuck in the bronze medal spot this year over James Taylor.  I am still my parents musical tastes.  

Top 3 Concerts I Saw This Year:

  1. Taylor Swift
  2. Bruce Springsteen
  3. Pearl Jam

OK, so my concert list is a little more modern than my regular musical listens (Of course I would trade all the concerts I see in any given year for one more Simon and Garfunkel reunion concert).  I have already referenced the Taylor Swift concert earlier as it led to one of my most read posts.  It was also a particularly nice event for me as I was treated to the ticket by my older daughter who was lucky to get some of the last minute tickets that were released.  Another artist who went for more than 3 hours, Bruce Springsteen, put on an amazing show.  And Pearl Jam was on my concert bucket-list and it was great to see them in-person.  I am always so impressed with how Springsteen and Pearl Jam make every show different.  

Top daily 3 streaks I still have going:

  1. 10,000 Steps
  2. Running 5 km a day
  3. Photo posting to Instagram

Yup – I can just cut and past my top 3 here from last year, and many years now.  It will be a bigger deal when any of these come to an end.  These streaks are all about discipline and consistency, qualities that I think are so important, and often in short supply today.  The steps streak in now at every day for 11 years.  I wrote about the running streak HERE when I crossed the 1000 day mark in October 2023, the streak is now over 1400 days, and I continue to post a photo every day – something that will hit 10 years or just over 3650 days of posting. photos on January 1st.  

Top  3 photos from this past year that make me smile:

A great West Vancouver leadership team tradition - Adult Pirate Pak Day!

A great West Vancouver leadership team tradition – Adult Pirate Pak Day!

I can vividly remember the story this young learner was telling me with his loose parts he was using.

One of many fun family traditions – strawberry picking day on Father’s Day Weekend.

I could have easily picked so many other photos.  I love going through my photos from each day to look back on the year – a great collection of work, family and friends.  I stopped making them public a few years ago, but I still post them to Instagram and archive them.  Scrolling through them will always make me smile.  

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up my reflections on 2024, I am once again struck by the power of traditions, both big and small, to anchor us through the whirlwind of change. This blog, my streaks, the music, the moments with family and colleagues—they remind me that even in a world reshaped by technology and shifting priorities, the things that truly matter remain steady.

This year has been one of growth and learning, filled with new challenges and exciting opportunities. Whether through conversations about AI, embracing the evolving landscape of education, or simply finding joy in a Pirate Pak, I’m reminded of the importance of staying curious, connected, and optimistic about what’s ahead.

To all of you who’ve read, shared, and engaged with these posts throughout the year—thank you. Your reflections, challenges, and encouragement fuel my writing and inspire my thinking. Here’s to stepping into 2025 with the same energy, passion, and hope that have carried us through this transformative year.

Happy holidays, and see you in the new year!

The image at the top of this post was created using Chat GPT.  I also used Chat GPT and Claude in my review and editing process for this post.

 

 

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AI in Education: A Year of Discovery, Anxiouness and Hope

Posted in Change, SD45, tagged , , , on December 17, 2024| 1 Comment »

This is not my last post of the year, but as we move through the middle December I wanted to pull together various threads and posts from this year on AI, and a few thoughts about what comes next. I find myself reflecting on what has been a transformative year for me as an educator, leader, and writer. Few technologies in my career have reshaped the way I think, work, and innovate as rapidly as AI has over the past twelve months.

This year, I have explored the opportunities and challenges of AI in education in a series of blog posts. It has been a journey of enthusiasm, curiosity, and learning, punctuated by moments of skepticism and concern. Now, as we approach 2025, I sense that we may be entering what the Gartner Hype Cycle calls the Trough of Disillusionment. And yet, I believe this is where the real work begins.

Here is my best effort at pulling together various posts I have written, presentations I have participated in and other learnings from this year:

Blog Posts

Gen AI – Governments, Districts, and Schools (May) Examining how British Columbia’s education system addresses generative AI, detailing the roles of the provincial government in providing guidance and resources, and individual school districts in implementing specific tools and fostering community engagement.

Leveraging Generative AI for Elementary Learners at Home (Sept) Offering parents practical advice on integrating generative AI into their children’s home learning, suggesting activities like using AI for writing assistance, personalized learning paths, and creative projects, while emphasizing the importance of safety and balance.

Exploring the Role of Generative AI in Supporting Governance (Sept) Exploring how generative AI can enhance school district governance by aiding in communication, professional development, policy drafting, strategic planning, and scenario analysis, advocating for a learning mindset among leaders.

Gen AI and the High School Sports Coach (Oct) This piece discusses the potential of generative AI to support high school sports coaches in areas such as creating training plans, simulating game strategies, preventing injuries, providing performance feedback, and developing skills, while acknowledging the importance of human judgment.

The Stages of Gen AI Adoption in Schools (Oct) Outlining a three-stage process for integrating generative AI in education: personal use by staff, professional use for tasks like lesson planning, and direct application with students, emphasizing gradual adoption to build confidence.

Leading the AI Charge:  Strategies for Forward Thinking Districts (Oct) Sharing strategies for school districts to effectively integrate AI, including designating leadership roles, forming cross-functional teams, creating clear guidelines, focusing on key applications, engaging the community, modeling AI use, consulting external experts, and participating in networks.

When AI Meets Education:  The Power of Diffusion Over Replication (Nov) A reflection  on the organic adoption of AI in education, advocating for trust in educators to adapt AI tools to their unique contexts, and promoting the diffusion of innovation through professional dialogue and shared experiences.

Video Presentations

The West Vancouver Story (Sept) – Cari Wilson, Megan Roughley and I share perspectives from our different vantage points on the use of AI in West Vancouver.  

AI Unlocked (Oct) – Presentation specifically for support staff in West Vancouver with an overview of AI and ways it could be incorporated into work that support staff do.  

Generative AI in K-12 (Oct) – Cari Wilson and I along with grade 12 student Jadyn Mithani shared our current work in AI and advice as part of a UBC speakers series.

Alec Couros Presentation (Oct) – West Vancouver has worked with Alec Couros from the University of Regina as we grow AI understanding in our community.  This video is a presentation he did for parents in the community.

Where I am Learning

On social media, I am finding LinkedIn to be my go to place for AI learning.  If I identified a couple people to add to your network they would be Adam Garry and Leon Furze.  Adam works with school districts across North American, including West Vancouver, as we look to thoughtfully plan for AI use in our systems and Leon is out of Australia and digs deep into both practical and ethical considerations around AI.

I also find podcasts super helpful.  There are lots of good ones, but the one I listen to every week is the TED AI Show with Bilawal Sidhu.

Of course, much of AI is just about playing.  I find myself going to AI first before Google, and regularly thinking if AI could add value – either efficiency or quality to the work I am doing.  


Reflections on the Year

As I look back, I’m struck by how much my thinking has evolved. At the start of the year, AI felt like an exciting frontier—a tool to experiment with and explore. By mid-year, it became clear that AI is no longer optional for educators. It’s a fundamental shift that requires us to rethink everything from pedagogy to policy.

Now, I see the cracks emerging—the Trough of Disillusionment. Educators are grappling with questions about bias, misinformation, and the ethical use of AI. Some are even questioning whether the promises of AI can be fulfilled. These doubts are natural. They are a sign that we’re moving beyond the initial hype and beginning to confront the complexities and possible outcomes.

Moving Forward with Hope

What gives me hope is that education has always been about people, not technology. AI is a powerful agent—but it’s our creativity, empathy, and leadership that will determine its impact. As we move into 2025, I am committed to continuing to push this dialogue and think about the impact of AI on our system today and into the future.

I am so appreciative of my network –  thank you for engaging with these ideas this year.  As I have regularly noted, it is the power of the network that is crucial in our AI work. Whether you’ve agreed, challenged, or simply reflected, widespread engagement has made the conversation richer and is crucial as we look ahead.

My “Top 3” Post will come next week, but for all wrapping up in schools this week before the break – Happy Holidays!

Ironically, I did not use a lot of AI in this week’s post.  The image at the top is generated in Magic School AI.

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Taylor Swift’s Masterclass: Lessons in Leadership for Schools

Posted in Change, SD45, tagged , , , , , on December 10, 2024| 2 Comments »

When the 2-minute countdown clock appeared on the jumbotron, the crowd was already in a frenzy. Our bracelets, which would soon flash in unison, hadn’t even activated yet. A 3+ hour phenomenon ensued—a concert that was part live music, part immersive storytelling.

This past weekend I joined more than 150,000 “Swifties” for the final 3 nights of The Eras Tour in Vancouver. While I felt like one of the few in the crowd who didn’t know the words to all the songs, nor did I have any bracelets to trade, I was taken by the amazing event that is a Taylor Swift concert—like nothing I had ever seen. Swift isn’t just an artist—she’s a master of connection, reinvention, and community building.

So, like any educator in the crowd who never truly clocks out, I was left wondering: What can teachers and leaders learn from her? What lessons do her concerts hold for us?

Reinventing Relevance

Taylor Swift has transitioned seamlessly from country music to pop and now to genres blending indie, rock, and even cinematic storytelling. She evolves not just to stay relevant but to stay true to where she is in life. In schools, reinvention isn’t just important, it is essential. The world is changing rapidly—students’ needs, societal expectations, and technology are all evolving. Like Swift, we need to find ways to stay relevant while staying true to our core values. Embracing change doesn’t mean abandoning the past—it means using it as a foundation to innovate and stay relevant.

Storytelling That Sticks

Swift’s songs resonate deeply with fans because they tell authentic, relatable stories. Her music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a connection. At the concert, the crowd became a single voice, shouting every lyric in unison – quite the testament to the power of a shared experience. In schools, our stories—both as educators and as a community—matter. One of the greatest powers of schools lies in the human connections we make with colleagues and students. Sharing the successes, challenges, and dreams of our schools can build trust and engagement with students, parents, and staff. Schools are at their best when they transcend the transactional and become spaces of genuine connection and shared purpose. 

Building Belonging

When you look at Taylor Swift’s fans, the “Swifties,” you see more than just an audience—you see a community. Swift has created a space where every fan feels seen and valued. Schools can learn from this by building strong communities where students, staff, and families feel part of something bigger. Whether through shared values, celebrations, or collaborative projects, the power of belonging cannot be underestimated. Swift’s concert was a celebration of community, like all our events in schools where we come together face-to-face. For example, our high schools hold Grade 8 retreats each fall to make students feel they are part of their new school community – mirroring Swift’s ability to foster inclusion.  

The Power of Details

If you’ve ever attended a Taylor Swift concert, you know the level of detail she brings to every performance—from the stage design to the secret songs in her setlist. Everyone was buzzing in Vancouver about what the secret songs would be the night we were there and they are a great example of both the personalization and commitment to every single detail. The 3 hours are tightly scripted but also made to feel completely real and authentic. These details create a memorable experience. In schools, details matter too. Whether it’s a well-planned field trip, thoughtful lesson design, or personalized feedback for a student, the little things add up to make a big impact. I recently visited a science class with a masterfully designed experiment. The students were completely engaged, and the real effort had been in the careful setup, not just the execution.

Lifelong Learning in Action

Swift’s career is a testament to growth. She’s learned from challenges, such as disputes over her music rights, and she’s used those lessons to become stronger. She was great when I saw her concert in 2015, but she is completely different today—an ongoing reinvention. Schools are the epicentre of lifelong learning. We teach students that growth isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for life. As educators, modeling this growth mindset in our work is essential. Using the Swift analogy of growth in the 9 years between her concerts in Vancouver in 2015 and 2024, schools could have been great in 2015. But if they haven’t changed in the last nine years, they may still be fine, but it’s a missed opportunity to evolve as the world has changed.

Leading with Influence

Swift isn’t just an artist; she’s a leader in her industry, using her platform to advocate for change and inspire her fans. Similarly, those of us in schools have the opportunity to influence our communities in positive ways. By setting an example, standing up for what matters, and leading with conviction, we can inspire students and staff to strive for their best. Teachers are the adults children spend the most time with after their immediate family, and this is an amazing opportunity to lead and inspire.

Empathy Is Everything

What sets Swift apart is her ability to make fans feel like she truly understands them. She is known for choosing the empathetic path, whether through small gestures at concerts or interactions with fans and this resonates with her supporters.  The crowd in Vancouver was the nicest I have ever been part of – a testament to the culture of kindness Swift fosters. This empathy is something schools should all embrace. Whether it’s understanding a struggling student’s needs or supporting a staff member, empathy builds trust, encourages resilience, and strengthens relationships.

Participation Breeds Engagement

Swift engages with her fans in ways that make them feel involved, from dropping Easter eggs in her social media posts to acknowledging fan-made bracelets. Schools can do the same by amplifying student voice and encouraging participation. When students feel heard and seen, they become active participants in their education, not just passive recipients.

Final Thoughts

Taylor Swift’s concert was more than a spectacle—it was a masterclass in connection, relevance, and leadership. As educators, we can draw inspiration from her ability to engage and uplift, to adapt and evolve, and to create a sense of belonging for everyone she touches.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: in both music and education, it’s not just about what we deliver—it’s about how we make people feel. Swift understands this instinctively, and it’s a lesson we need to live everyday in our schools.

When we approach our schools with Taylor Swift’s energy, heart, and attention to connection, we create not just learning spaces, but thriving communities where everyone feels they belong. Because, like a Taylor Swift concert, schools should leave everyone feeling they were part of something extraordinary.

I have previously written about other musicians connecting them to education including Paul Simon and The Tragically Hip.

I used both Chat GPT 4 and Claude to give me feedback on various drafts of this post.

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Some Thoughts on the Journey to Post-Secondary Sports

Posted in Health, tagged , , , on December 3, 2024| 4 Comments »

I have sports on my mind this week.  With our district hosting the BC AAA Girls Volleyball Provincial Championships and the start of basketball season across the province, my evenings have been full of seeing talented young athletes lately.

As a superintendent, a lifelong coach, and a passionate advocate for sports, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless students who dream of playing sports at the university level. From basketball courts to swimming pools and soccer fields, and even in our house with our own kids, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how the journey to post-secondary sports can shape young people’s lives in profound ways.

Let me start by saying this: playing sports at any post-secondary level is an incredible achievement. Whether it’s going to the US for the NCAA, staying in Canada for U Sports or being part of a college program, earning a spot on a university or college team is a testament to hard work, discipline, and passion. It’s something to celebrate, no matter the level.

That said, the path to post-secondary athletics isn’t for everyone—and that’s also okay. For high school athletes, the focus shouldn’t just be on recruitment. Enjoying the camaraderie, the big games, and the countless memories you’ll make in high school sports is just as important. Those moments will stay with you long after you have finished playing and too often I see families think high school sports is just a vehicle to access university sports and not for what it often is – a collection of amazing life memoires. 

Here are some observations and tips I’ve gathered over the years for those who are considering post-secondary sports.

Playing High School Sports Should Be About More Than Recruitment

The joy of playing sports in high school is something you’ll never get back. The friendships you make, the pressure-filled championship games, the fun of road trips with teammates—these are the moments that shape you.

Don’t let the focus on post-secondary recruitment overshadow the experience. Most high school athletes won’t play sports at the next level, but that doesn’t mean the experience wasn’t valuable. High school sports build transferable skills like resilience, teamwork, time management, leadership, and dealing with adversity. 

Celebrate All Levels of Post-Secondary Sports

Too often, the spotlight is on top tier university scholarships, as if they’re the only marker of success. The truth is, playing any sport in university—whether it’s U Sports, NCAA, or a local college—is a remarkable accomplishment.

I’ve seen students thrive in programs that fit their level, whether they’re stars in a smaller league or role players on a larger stage. Success isn’t defined by the level you play at but by the experiences you gain and the lessons you learn.

Do Your Homework on the Team

One of the best steps you can take is researching the programs you’re interested in. Look at the team roster. How many players in your position are graduating? How many spots will realistically be open?

And know how many players are on the roster and how many actually get to compete.  Does the soccer team have 30 players and only dress 16 for games?  Does the cross country team have 20 runners but are only able to take 7 to the championships?  This kind of information can have a major impact on your experience with the sport at university.

Knowing this information can save you time and energy. It also shows coaches you’re serious about their program.

Focus on Academics—They Open Doors

In Canada especially, academic scholarships are often much larger than athletic ones. A strong GPA and solid test scores can make a huge difference in your options.

Academic scholarships not only benefit you—they’re also a major plus for coaches. If you can secure academic funding, it allows them to stretch their limited athletic scholarship dollars to recruit more athletes. This makes you an even more valuable recruit, as you’re helping the team while lightening the financial load.

Coaches value academically strong athletes—they’re less likely to struggle with eligibility requirements and reflect positively on the program. If you’re serious about post-secondary sports, being serious about your academics is non-negotiable.

Be Honest About Your Level

Are you truly a Division 1 athlete, or is your skill set better suited to U Sports or a local college program? Being honest with yourself is critical.  

This isn’t about limiting your dreams—it’s about finding a program where you’ll thrive. A good fit, both athletically and academically, leads to the best post-secondary experience.

Decide: Do You Want to Play or Sit?

This is an important question: Would you rather be a role player on a powerhouse team or a star on a smaller one?

For example, I’ve seen basketball players who chose to join a strong team knowing they’d spend a lot of time on the bench. Others opted for smaller programs where they could be key contributors from day one. Neither choice is wrong—it depends on what you value most.  Know this before going in, if you don’t want to sit on the bench for the first 3 years of your university career maybe that “full ride” isn’t as good as it looks. 

Visit Schools and Meet Coaches

Seeing a campus, talking to the coaches, and meeting current players can tell you more than any recruitment pitch.  

Pay attention to the culture of the team. Talk to people, look closer.  Are players supportive of each other? What’s the coach’s leadership style? These factors can make or break your experience.

You also can dig into the academic programs – and ensure it is not just a sports fit but an academic fit for what you are wanting.

Take the Lead in Your Recruitment Process

Coaches want to hear from you, not your parents. This is your journey, and you need to own it.

Reach out to coaches, send your highlight clips, and follow up. Taking initiative shows maturity and independence—qualities coaches value.

Parents can support their kids by asking good questions, helping them weigh options and being a sounding board for ideas – but too many parents think their child’s university recruitment is theirs – it isn’t.  

Your own high school coach can often be hugely impactful speaking to your character and many high school coaches are well connected with university programs and coaches.

Beware of the Monetization of Dreams

Too many families fall into the trap of spending excessive money on private trainers, showcases, and recruitment services, chasing the dream of a scholarship.

While some investment can be helpful, be wary of promises that sound too good to be true. Recruitment isn’t about spending the most money—it’s about highlighting your talent, being strategic, and finding the right fit for you.

If you need some assistance on anything post-secondary related, including athletic opportunities, a good first stop is with your school counsellor.  

Enjoy the Journey

The recruitment process can be stressful, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore your options and think about your future. Take time to reflect on what you want out of your post-secondary experience, both as an athlete and as a student.

And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Whether you end up playing at the next level or not, the lessons, memories, and friendships from high school sports are something to cherish.

 Final Thoughts

Playing sports at the post-secondary level is an incredible achievement and an experience that will shape you for life. Over and over I hear from university student athletes that the team gave them an immediate social network and connections at university.  The process getting there doesn’t have to be overwhelming or consume your high school years. Focus on enjoying the moments, making memories, and being the best version of yourself.

And for all the grade 12 athletes out there right now – enjoy every moment of this year on the field, in the pool, on the court or wherever your sport takes you.

What do you think?  Do you agree with these observations? What else would you add?

The image at the top of this post was created in Chat GPT 4

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