As I prepare to launch, I am aware that in a lot of ways, the season of my life in San Diego is coming to a close. So I decided to make a list of what I’ve learned from the past five years. (I plan to also do one for the Race, so keep an eye out for that post next year as I return.)
Every year I’ve taught, I’ve also asked my students to write down what they’ve learned. So here is both my list and my students’ list. I hope they bless you!
22 Things I learned in my early 20’s
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God comes through. Trust him.
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Sometimes, the calling is to stay, even when everything inside you is screaming ‘GO!’. God has placed you here, now. Don’t miss this!
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You are more than one facet of your life. Don’t let one thing rule over you.
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Hold wise boundaries, even when it seems everyone is against you. You do more damage when you appease others than when you speak up.
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Passivity destroys relationships.
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Part of forgiveness is giving up my “right” to feel and act like a victim.
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Be careful to whom you give your words. Others may not be as careful with them as you.
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There are two sides to every story. Always make every effort to get both before acting.
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Sometimes doing the right thing will cause someone else pain. Do it anyway.
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God created you. Therefore, you have the right and responsibility to stand up for your own boundaries, emotions, and ideas; but also to own your own reactions, sins, and mistakes.
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A good friendship depends on the maturity of both parties.
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Mourn the deaths in your life, but don’t regret them. Sometimes things have to die for there to be new life.
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If you’re going to do something controversial or difficult, examine your reasons before you move. One day someone will question or challenge your actions, and you will need a solid place to stand.
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Own your part, with sober judgement. It’s not all their fault, but neither is it all yours.
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Sometimes you can be perfectly loving, humble, direct, and clear, yet the other person still won’t hear what you’re saying. If so, stop trying, and trust them to God. He has more work to do in their heart before they will be ready to hear you.
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Waiting was never meant to be passive. God has purpose, even in the interim.
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Jesus is critical to your faith. It’s all about him. To live without Jesus is to be the walking dead.
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Don’t ever give up. What God has placed in your heart he will bring to fruition.
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You have more time than you think.
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Every time someone accepts Jesus as Lord, their decision is a miracle. We just can’t see the whole story.
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Words carry power to create and destroy. People will live up to what you speak over them, so call out the good you want to see.
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Just because parents are adults doesn’t mean they have the same learning style. If your students all learn differently and need things explained in different ways and at different levels, so will their parents.
22 Things my Students Learned in Summit
(2016-2019)
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Friends are a privilege, not a right.
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Getting over something hard is much more rewarding than just being given something.
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If you don’t ask for help, you won’t learn anything.
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Procrastination is a petty crime with not so petty consequences.
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You have to help your friends help you.
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We each have our own strengths and weaknesses. Don’t think lower of yourself because you can’t do one thing.
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Stand up for what you know is right. Especially if others don’t agree.
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Sometimes you have to work with what you have, not what you want.
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To make good choices you need good friends.
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It’s okay to take care of yourself and your mental well-being before taking care of school.
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You can’t just apologize, you have to fix what you’re doing.
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The quality of your work is more important than how fast it gets done.
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Even though some people are not like me, they can still be fun to be around.
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Sometimes the only way to finish something is by throwing yourself in and learning by making mistakes, failing quizzes, and getting lower than expected grades. This forces you to change and adapt.
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Working little by little throughout the year is easier than waiting to do many things at once.
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Be a leader, not a boss.
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Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t freak out over yours.
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It’s okay, and even fun, to take risks.
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Forgiveness is better than fighting.
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I need to be open to people if I want to have friends.
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Trying new things can help you find what you like.
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Celebrate small victories!
***A HUGE thank you and shout out to Korban, Hannah, Savannah, Lance, Julia, Finn, Patrick O., JoTai, Marisah, Madi, and all the students quoted above whose names were not recorded (whoops!) from the 2017-2018 school year.***
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THE STORY BEHIND THE POST: When I was younger, my aunt and uncle had a lake house. There was a little book in the downstairs bathroom—you know, one that’s more for decoration than reading? Well, leave it to me to actually read it.
I don’t remember its name, nor its author, but the concept was simple: after major life events, the author would make a list of 20 things he’d learned. One day he decided to ask other people, ages 5-82. Their answers became the book.
We visited the lake house every year for at least six years, and every year I would read the book. I made my first list when I graduated high school, and have since made one for college and my first year of teaching.
If you made a list of what you’ve learned in your life so far, what would you include? I’d love to know—feel free to comment below, message, etc.!
A note from the author:
Hey Fam! In some countries, we won’t be able to post these blogs social media. Be sure to subscribe to get these updates sent directly to your inbox! THE BLOG WILL BE PASSWORD PROTECTED STARTING MONDAY!!!
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