Hello, Kougar faithful,
It was quite the end of the week for our students. Damon West, a renowned speaker, visited our student body and regaled us with stories from a life that has taken him from our nation’s capital to one of our country’s toughest maximum- security prisons. The native Texan gave our students many different perspectives on life and their choices.
Two pronounced points were made in the published author’s presentation that I felt spoke to our students and me, all debts must be paid, and you need to be helpful with your life. So often in this life, we try to skate by doing just enough. However, Mr. West pointed out that you may think you can get by without much affliction, but eventually, the bill comes due, and you have to pay it.
The first lesson applies to so many issues, but it comes down to my/our preparation. When your skills are tested, what kind of preparation did I prepare for that moment? What did we do to prepare to swim out when the world placed us in a pot of boiling water? The boiling water of life is coming, and debt demand will come. Did I save myself for that moment, or did I lack discipline in knowing the moment would go and fall short when my mettle is tested? It is up to me to withstand the most challenging moments.
Secondly, being helpful with your life is not a piece that many think of in their middle school and high school years. However, we know each day is precious, and we should value it. What are we doing to be helpful and valuable with our time and talents? Mr. West states that indeed we can be all of these things if we commit to being some- one who changes the world around us and not being the person who takes from the room instead gives to it.
These are just two of the many lessons Damon West brought to our students, so many thanks go out to Mr. Hermann, Mr. Nemecek, Mrs. Byrd, and the rest of the leadership at this school for making this happen.
Sincerely,
Mr. Lukens