The dictionary defines Now as:
now [nou]
adverb
1.
at the present time or moment: You are now using a dictionary.
2.
without further delay; immediately; at once: Either do it now or not at all.
3.
at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described: The case was now ready for the jury.
4.
at the time or moment immediately past: I saw him just now on the street.
5.
in these present times; nowadays: Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.
It is a favorite word for teenagers because it marks how fast time goes by. I have realized how much teenagers love to live in the now and seldom prepare for the future, even if its very near. Even if its tomorrow.
Take homework, I have also realized that some probably drop their bookbags on their room floors and leave them untouched until the next morning! Hows that for bad preparation?
Don’t get me wrong, now is good. Feeling good now about anything is good and why leave for tomorrow what you can feel good about NOW! But we can reason the same about what we DO and how it affects SOON and THEN.
We must focus on ‘THEN’.
What am I doing now that will benefit me soon and more importantly, for then?
The dictionary defines the word soon as :
soon [soon]
adverb, soon·er, soon·est.
1.
within a short period after this or that time, event, etc.: We shall know soon after he calls.
2.
before long; in the near future; at an early date: Let’s leave soon.
3.
promptly or quickly: He came as soon as he could.
4.
readily or willingly: I would as soon walk as ride.
5.
early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced: soon at night; soon in the evening.
The admissions department has begun the ‘hunt for next years freshmen’. The same process you went through in order to be admitted into the HSFI community is underway for this years 8th graders and SOON you will be sophomores, giving space for the next class of freshmen. It is our hope that you are making all of the right decisions that will assist you in moving on to the second year of your high school experience. And in the chance that you are not, I love to point to a sign that I have hanging in my room that reads ‘Tomorrow is always a second chance’. Take that single moment when you have realized that you have erred to take the RIGHT steps to a better path in your education.
I invite you to think about your home life, your parents or guardians, those that watch over you and the things you have. Do you live in a dream home? Or do you aspire to live in one when you are older? Do your parents have their dream job? Do they wake in the morning with love and enthusiasm to face another day at work? Do they provide for you in the way they wish they could? OBSERVE them, or better yet, ASK them. Have that conversation that will enter you into their world of sacrifice, all for you.
I write this because it was a lesson of NOW vs. THEN for myself and my grandmother. She didn’t need for me to ask; she told me EVERYDAY.
‘Haz lo que tu tiene que hacer para ti y tu futuro, porque you no durare’ para siempre’
in a dominican accent.
‘Do what you must for yourself and your future because I will not be around for long.’
Funny how she is still alive but it was her lesson for me to understand that every choice I made in my NOW’s would only affect my THEN. And it worked, I then realized that I must do all that I can to better prepare myself for adulthood, to become a strong person with values and character that can be relied on and depend on no one.
Luxury was not a part of our daily life, we didn’t even use it in a sentence. The only time I can recall her using the word was when she said ‘That’s whats for dinner. You don’t have the luxury to be a picky eater!’. And there was no such thing as school shopping, as most of you do in August with your parents, and forget a phone!! In our times it was beepers but you understand what I mean. I began to work at fourteen because I wanted nice things for myself and even if that isn’t your case, you can relate when I write of wanting something that your parents or guardians can’t buy. Because their world is one of obligations and responsibilities, bills and debts and you will only understand when it’s your turn.
They want you to have all of the things they couldn’t have and if they cant provide it, at least you have the ability to obtain a great career that will allow you to get those great things on your own. They want you to wake up in the morning, excited to go to work because you have a career that you love and are passionate about, not one that you are obligated to endure because of your bills. Many of them have given up on their own dreams in the hope that you fulfill yours.
All of their decisions have paved their paths and I wholeheartedly believe that all of them want better for you.
And it starts with You making Wise Decisions NOW for a brighter THEN.
So whats is gonna be?
What are You doing Now that can help you Soon for an Amazing Future?
KEEP ABREAST WITH WHATS GOING ON WITH ‘The Fashionable Times’
DO : Reflect on NOW
DO : PREPARE for THEN
DO : Talk to your Parents