Typically, the freshmen are especially eager to impress. I have found this to be true, at least for a few days, regardless of whether they are in high level “honors” classes or sitting in very basic “remedial” classes. There’s something about the first few weeks of school that brings out the best in a lot of kids, even if it’s not something they will sustain.
I’ve thought about why that is, and I think it’s because the beginning of school is a fresh start. The kids have a new teacher who usually doesn’t know much about them. They’re in a new setting. They’re learning new material. Even if last year didn’t go the way they wanted, this year could be better, the start of a new positive trend.
Every year some of the kids who are trying to make things better fall back into bad habits, and they find that this year is more like last than they had hoped. However, there’s always some kids who really do experience change in their lives. I talk with their parents at parent-teacher conferences, and the parents say things like: “She’s never done this well in class.” “He used to get into trouble all the time last year. He’s growing up.”
Maybe it is just growing up. But I also think there’s something to be said for that fresh start. In adult life, it can be hard to find those breaking points that offer a chance for change, but I think we have to find them. As I head back to school, I’m trying to define one in my own life right now. I’m trying to shake up my morning routine by starting the morning with scripture or a podcast about Jesus. Other times, I’ve prayed in a different part of the house, read a book on a topic that challenged me, or found time to retreat to campgrounds to listen for God.
It’s a fine line because I don’t think sustainable change comes solely from our own efforts. That would mean the gospel is nothing more than another self-help seminar. But with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I pray for change in my life through a fresh start this school year.
