Taking It All for Granted

A few months ago, when these complaints seemed relevant, chances are no one could have predicted we would be in the position we are in right now: separated by a global pandemic that has shut down many aspects of life for the majority of people worldwide. Before all this occurred, it would have almost never happened that someone would say: “I’m so happy I have this opportunity” or “I really wish I could be in class right now.” Now that this opportunity - that we were so critical of - is put on hold, all of a sudden everyone wants to go back. Why is that?

Well it’s just that: we always want what we don’t have. Growing up, it was normal to always want the newest toy, but once you got that toy, it was probably sitting left unused a month or two later. In your teenage years, maybe it’s the most recent clothing trends you want or the newest piece of sporting equipment, but a week or a month later, it’s not the newest, coolest thing anymore.

A month ago, we wanted nothing to do with school. We wanted to be home with our families and friends, either relaxing or going out and having fun – something to get away from our life of commitment to school work and tight schedules. The problem is, we went into break thinking we would be back in the classroom three weeks later. And since studying and living with some of our best friends while playing sports we enjoy, surrounded by teachers who care about your success has become the norm, we become less grateful for it. When something becomes the expectation and the standard, we lose the gratitude we originally had for it.

Fast forward three or four weeks into what was an extended break, and the possibility of not seeing your friends until next year for some, and maybe ever again for others, is starting to settle in. All of a sudden, people start to miss school. Everyone is starting to miss their friends, maybe even their favourite teachers or coaches, people are making sad videos to give a summary of what a great year they had and, to quote Jeremie Gagnon: “I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I miss school.”

I guess what I’m trying to say is we should really take a moment to be grateful for things before we decide to throw negativity towards something. Just because something is the norm and may occasionally get old, we should all take a moment to be grateful for the opportunities and positions we are put in.

In all the bad that has come along with being isolated, it’s given me some time to think and consider the opportunity that has been offered to me through the school. Like I mentioned, I’m coming to the end of my sixth year at Stanstead. In those six years, there has been many many, MANY hours of procrastinating. One of the things I used to do when putting off doing my work was watch motivational videos to motivate me to stop procrastinating. They had the opposite effect, but something that was mentioned once or twice was advice from people on their deathbeds, sharing things they wish they had known earlier in their lives.

In a way, as a lifer at Stanstead, I feel I’m kind of left in a similar position as these people. I’ve got a few regrets from my time here, and most of them revolve around not taking in the whole experience. I’d give a lot to have one more year: one more year to play the sports I love, one more year with great people and one more year to grow and actually connect with people, because I feel like those are things I’ve taken for granted during my time at Stanstead. Most people say this is crazy since I’ve been here for six years already, but to me it feels really important.

But if I’m not able to do it myself, I hope you all will. Put yourself out there and talk to someone new, try new things, don’t be afraid to love a little extra and complain a little less. For the Grade 12s next year, reach out to people. It’s going to be tough but things like studying in the common lounge are things that can help turn the work into a manageable task. But most importantly, try to have fun with the whole experience and don’t be so uptight about it. That’s where I really went wrong and something Mr. Wells, my calculus teacher and assistant head of school, told our class: grades are important in the now, but later on, chances are you won’t remember the test(s) you didn’t do well on.

The important thing is to learn through it. Try to find a healthy balance between giving it your best in school, regardless of results, and your best to build yourself into a person you are proud of. Make it an experience you are going to be happy with when you are looking back and all is said and done.