Finish What You Start: Embracing Challenge in a New School Year

As we gear up for a new school year—and as peers also do the same at specialized high schools across the country—there’s a lot of excitement in the air. New classes, new teachers, new challenges—everything is fresh and full of possibilities. But with all these new beginnings comes a big responsibility: the challenge to finish what you start.

Starting something new is always exciting, whether it's a project, a hobby, or even just the first day of class. But let’s be honest—keeping that momentum going as the year progresses can be tough. The workload piles up, distractions creep in, and sometimes, it might feel easier to just coast through or leave things unfinished. That’s where the real challenge comes in: sticking with it, pushing through, and seeing things through to the end.

Why is it so important to stay the course? It’s not just about checking off assignments or getting good grades (though those are nice bonuses). It’s about building a framework for growth and perseverance. When you commit to seeing something through, even when it’s hard or you’re not feeling motivated, you’re training yourself to be resilient. Every project you complete, every test you study for, and every goal you achieve is a small victory that builds up your confidence. It shows you that you’re capable of more than you might think, especially when things get challenging. And trust me, in a school as demanding as ours, challenges are part of the package.

There will be times when the work seems overwhelming. Maybe it’s a tough assignment that you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s just a rough week where everything feels like too much. Maybe it’s the first time the letter C (or worse!) adorns an exam. Those are the moments when bringing an endeavor to completion becomes a test of your character. It’s easy to start something with enthusiasm, but it’s the follow-through that really counts. When you push through those tough moments and get to the other side, you’ll find that the sense of accomplishment is worth every bit of effort. 

Plus, you’re not just learning the subject matter—you’re learning how to handle adversity and come out stronger on the other side.  Even if something doesn’t turn out exactly how you hoped, there’s always a lesson to be learned. Maybe you discover a new way to approach a problem, or you learn something about your own strengths and weaknesses. Either way, every experience adds to your growth. In schools like ours, where the academics are tough and the expectations are high, you’re going to hit bumps in the road. But that’s okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward, learn from your experiences, and use that knowledge to tackle the next challenge. 

When you make it a habit to see through your commitments, you’re not just completing tasks—you’re building a success mindset. This mindset isn’t about getting everything perfect or easy; it’s about perseverance, determination, and the belief that you can achieve what you set out to do. Think about it: successful people, in any field, didn’t get there by giving up when things got hard. They got there by sticking with it and by learning from every step of the journey. 

So as we all dive into this new school year, take a moment to challenge yourself. Set goals, start strong, and most importantly, commit to persistence. The road won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Every time you do so, you’re proving to yourself that you can handle whatever comes your way. Remember, this year is about more than just grades or getting through your classes. It’s about becoming the kind of person who follows through. That’s the kind of person who succeeds, not just in school, but in whatever they choose to do.

So here’s to a year of challenges, growth, and a whole lot of finishing what we start. Let’s make it a great one!