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Weeks Sixteen & Seventeen
4-8 January 2010
"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." Henry Ellis
One of the questions I get asked - a lot - during these waning days of autumn is this one: "Mr. Smith, what should I be when I grow up?"
If the query came from a Fourth Grade student, I wouldn't take the question too seriously. I'd answer, "Well, Kid, you've got a lot of time to decide. Head on out to recess!" Fortunately, I am not employed as a Fourth Grade teacher; the questioner is usually a Senior who is determining a major to declare on his/her university applications. A palpable panic fills his/her eyes. Completely overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing a course of study, and a life-path, at age eighteen, most of my Seniors crumble under the pressure.
"What should I be when I grow up?"
My advice, when asked, usually centers around something a former pastor tossed out, nonchalantly, from the pulpit in a long-forgotten sermon preached years ago. It's a concept that was reconfirmed recently, as I was studying a devotional reading from Max Lucado.
Here's what Lucado wrote: "God shaped you according to your purpose. How else can you explain yourself? Your ability to diagnose an engine problem by the noise it makes, to bake a cake without a recipe. You knew the Civil War better than your American history teacher... How do you explain such quirks of skill? God. ...He knew what your generation would need and gave it. He designed you. And His design defines your destiny..."
I tell my Seniors, and I'm telling you, that God has shaped you perfectly for the role He has already created for your future. What are your skills? Your passions? What would you do if you didn't have to worry about making enough money to live? What activities energize your soul? These are all "hints" as to the life-path that God has planned for you.
The great thing is that you don't get stuck with one path for a lifetime. We are creative, living, changing people. Doesn't it make sense that the Creator of the Universe will create opportunities that allow us to utilize our continued growth and developmental understandings in new and energizing ways, if we need to do so? I've met many people who have changed their occupations when their interests changed. Who is to say that you won't be one of them in the years to come?
College planning is, undoubtedly, a serious endeavor that will continue to overwhelm Seniors in the foreseeable future. Yet, as Christians, we have the assurance that God is hard at work on our behalf, putting all the pieces together for our welfare, His glory, and for the good of all humanity. Kinda cool, huh?
As we wrap up 2009 and look to the future, remember your destiny has been decided by God Himself. Take comfort in this fact and look confidently toward that which is to come. You're ready.
Blessings!
Together, with you, in His service,
KGSmith
k.smith@crystalcathedral.org
PS: For your convenience, downloadable PDF forms of syllabi, calendars, and major assignments for for each class are posted below.
Eighth Grade Language Arts
Monday (12/14): Grammar!
Tuesday (12/15): Be sure to have read Witch, Chapters 19-20
Wednesday (12/16): Be sure to have read Witch, Chapter 21
Thursday (12/17): Witch Worksheets Due
Friday (12/18): Minimum Day!
Monday (1/4): Welcome Back!
Tuesday (1/5): Grammar
Wednesday (1/6): Be sure to have read <>Bradford (L: 162-164)
Thursday (1/1): Be sure to have read <>Chekhov & Simon (L: 162-164)
Friday (1/8): Grammar
Literary Genre (Freshman English)
Monday (12/14): Mystery Monday
Tuesday (12/15): Writing!
Wednesday (12/16): To Kill a Mockingbird Wrap-Up
Thursday (12/17): Mockingbird Worksheets Due
Friday (12/18): Minimum Day!
Monday (1/4): Welcome Back!
Tuesday (1/5): Writing!
Wednesday (1/6): Be sure to have read Lopez (L: 212-218); Quiz
Thursday (1/1): Be sure to have read Tan (L: 162-164)
Friday (1/8): Honors Projects Due!
American Literature (Sophomore English)
u>Monday (12/14): Poe Project Preparation
Tuesday (12/15): Poe Project Preparation
Wednesday (12/16): Poe Project Preparation
Thursday (12/17): Poe Project Preparation
Friday (12/18): Submissions: Poe Project Presentations
Monday (1/4): Welcome Back!
Tuesday (1/5): Honors Projects Due (Stowe)
Wednesday (1/6): Be sure to have read Melville (L: 352-360); Quiz
Thursday (1/1): Be sure to have read Melville (L: 361-370)
Friday (1/8): Introduction to Transcendentalism
British Literature (Junior English)
Monday: Be sure to have read Pastoral Poetry (L: 244-248)
Tuesday:Be sire to have read Sonnets (L: 250-256)
Wednesday: Twelfth Night
Thursday: Twelfth Night
Friday: Twelfth Night
World Literature (Senior English)
Monday: Be sure to have read Damon and Pythias (L: 222-227); Quiz
Tuesday: Introduction to the Trojan War
Wednesday: Be sure to have read The Death of Hektor (L: 228-241)
Thursday: Be sure to have read The Death of Hektor (L: 228-241)
Friday: Be sure to have read The Death of Hektor (L: 228-241)
Advanced Placement English
Monday: Be sure to have read The Short Stories of Herman Melville, Examination
Tuesday: Be sure to have read The Short Stories of Herman Melville
Wednesday: A.P. M/C
Thursday: Wild Card Day
Friday: Pressure Essay
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