HOPE

"Hope" is something we talk about from time to time within York Public Schools. It can be defined as, "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen." There are several studies that have shown that not enough of our young people have enough "hope" that their lives can be successful and fulfilling. When you think about it, HOPE is at the center of many successes. Hope is confidence in yourself. Hope is belief in those around you. Hope is knowing that if you don't succeed the first time or two, you should keep going.

As adults, whether we're educators or not, we need to help all young people by instilling hope in them. I often worry about our young people that don't truly believe they can be successful. Too many kids don't know that they can be great at something. Failure is all around us. Laziness is all around us. Complacency is too common as well.

Great educators, parents, and adults instill hope in their young ones. They help them believe that anything is possible. They help them see that adversity can be overcome. They help them see that the "journey" is almost always more worthwhile than the "destination." I often hear top-notch coaches like Jimbo Fisher, Tom Izzo, and Nick Saban talk about "the process" of success. The "process" has to begin with hope. You then add relentlessness, consistency, high expectations, hard work, a little luck, confidence, desire, humility, and preparation and you're on the way!

Talk to the children in your life. Believe in them. Build them up. Support their efforts and their dreams. We need more HOPE in the world. It can be improved one person at a time so do your part.

GO DUKES!