Despite students being full of untapped potential and ambition, they are naive when it comes to the complexities of learning and life. Seeking the wisdom that only experience can bring, teachers provide that sense of guidance where students are deficient in. To uncover that type of navigation, we turned to students’ trusted mentors and asked: “In one sentence, what’s one piece of advice you believe students should carry with them?”
Ms. Erwin: “Not everyone is born into the same circumstances, but education is a tool you can use to create the life that you desire.”
Ms. Wade: “Do what makes you happy, and don’t stress about the little things.”
Ms. Perez: “ Believe in yourself, work hard, and be your own supporter.”
Mr. Burnett: “Learn how to ask for help.”
Mr. Gibson: “Never forget to check your references.”
Ms. Moten: “Make sure to create the best memories you can.”
Ms. Ruffner: “Think about your future self and make good choices.”
Mr. Sheppard: “You should do things because it’s the right thing to do, not because other people tell you to do it.”
Mr. Price: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and show yourself.”
Mr. Merrill: “Always do your best because you don’t know who’s watching.”
Ms. Anderson: “Know yourself.”
Ms. Patrick: “Never be afraid to ask for help; it’s a sign of strength.”
Ms. Rochard: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
Ms. Kennedy: “Always ask for what you want; the worst thing someone can say is no.”
Ms. Armstrong: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Ms. Gilbert: “Forget the mistake; remember the lesson.”
Mr. Espinoza: “Stay true to yourself.”
Ms. Panzenhagen: “Don’t let the world change your smile; let your smile change the world.”
Ms. Banal: “Be patient with yourself and know that progress is not always linear.”
Ms. Brawner: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Ms. Meadows: “Do your best in everything you do.”
Ms. Stewart: “Always take responsibility for your actions.”
Dr. Rankin: “No one owes you anything, not even your parents.”
Mr. Conroy: “Always try to say yes to opportunities.”
Ms. Davis: “Kindness is the most important thing.”
Mr. Robertson: “Always remember there’s a bigger picture.”
Mr. Leddy: “Be open to new experiences and push the boundaries of opportunities.”
Mr. Ruffner: “You can’t get upset at the work you didn’t put in.”
Mr. Hicks: “When you feel like everything’s pointless, and you’re at the lowest of lows, the only way to go is up.”
Md. Calabro: “Always do your best, be honest, and love what you do.”
Every school year, teachers remain persistent figures in the lives of their students. They do far more than just instruct; at Yorktown, staff members guide and motivate students through obstacles, helping them discover new possibilities and providing advice. All of this is to shape them into excelling scholars. As mentors, teachers encourage students to be bold, think big and embrace every opportunity to grow through their guidance.
