@echo_e.k.o Ask for help when you need it. Once passed down from a teacher to me, following this simple tidbit will make for an excellent start to the year. Students often fear that asking for help admits weakness and forfeits one’s academic independence, though it’s quite the contrary. Seeking help—whether from a teacher, peer, counselor, or other figure—builds a fuller relationship with your school community and attests to your investment in education. Noteworthier yet, requesting help is an enrichment opportunity. Whether you’re struggling with an academic concept or need clarification on a project or task, your advisors will be grateful to assist. And upon reaching out, you’ll feel refreshed and better prepared for the challenges ahead, especially the sooner you do so. Between the modes of in-person and digital communication, help is truly always accessible. Securing a relationship with school familiars early on, particularly teachers, proves vital, and there’s no wiser way than through inquiry. Plus, entering the year by taking authority over your schooling destines you to leave a positive, lasting impression that you can ride on throughout the school term. You’ve got this in the bag!

While visiting my great-grandmother’s headstone a couple of years back, I noticed a petite yet marvelous bench around the memorial garden’s edge. “Sit down and stay awhile,” its plaque offered affectionately. Intrigued, I learned the seat was dedicated to a kind-hearted, scholarly young adult whose life was regrettably cut short. Though we’d never met, I felt touched by the inviting granite slab and found solace in knowing that his legacy tangibly lives on. As I consider my image today, I dream of being known, being remembered. I wish to serve the world an invaluable gift: to make a scientific breakthrough, compose a breathtaking piece of literature, develop a technology that conveniences everyday life, and spread laughter and positivity through video and art, among other things. On a more personal level, I aspire to make friends and family smile and spread equality. Moreover, I aim to boost others through selflessness, compassion, and acceptance. I regularly compliment others and share with them, too, whether it’s advice and knowledge or a thoughtful gift. In the same regard, I hope one day to earn the finances to give back to the community; to fund environmental and human rights projects, feed tables, support local businesses, and clothe those in need. Such efforts don’t seek my glorification but rather yield warm fuzzy feelings inside. I feel empowered and driven to write my legacy to validate our generation and prove its invincible future. Some say villainous actions are the most infamous, but my footprint is to overturn that notion. As an avid family genealogist, discovering ancestors and relatives who were doctors, local heroes, veterans, and refugees has been inspirational. Hence, honoring them has become my lifelong mission. I can only strive to amount to their successes, perhaps having a petite bench of my own erected one day.

As a little tyke, I’d have the audacity to obnoxiously raise my hand during family dinners, itching to blurt out a silly thought reckoned within two seconds. By contrast, in recent years, I’ve realized how listening to others is far more crucial. In conversation, I do this conscientiously by maintaining healthy eye contact, affirming their thoughts with timely nods and expressions, and displaying a warm, open presence. I keep patience on my side and refrain from interjecting or redirecting the narrative toward myself. Furthermore, I match my volume, tone, and demeanor to theirs in hopes of making them feel as comfortable as possible. I employ this with everyone—educators, friends, family, and strangers alike. Essentially, I convey this methodology trilaterally to say, “you are understood, you are respected, you have my undivided attention.” A friend and I recently debated the execution of a COVID-19 mask protest at our school. Though we had differing views, we listened to each other’s reasoning with outstanding attentiveness and, in the end, calmly decided to agree to disagree. Simple as that. Plus, thoughtlessly shouting over one another is so unproductive! To me, active listening was made to be a symbiotic interaction. This is why listening is the gateway to honest, understanding conversation. The microphone must be bounced back between parties in a balanced manner. This idea is not exceptional but rather fundamental. For this reason, every great leader must double as an apt listener and thinker. Considerate listening allows an individual to be more mindful and sharper, building trust and friendship in any relationship. Most importantly, listening signifies learning. I myself am an auditory learner, so I thrive by listening to others—their stories, their hardships, their jokes, their suggestions—it’s unbeatable. Ultimately, it’s always best to listen to others because you never know when you’re losing out.