Making Your Mark

Even if they never say it aloud, people secretly hope to leave their mark on the world. There's a desire somehow either to make a difference in another person's life, or to do something that stands out, like a beacon that states, "I was here."

In a world of almost seven billion people, it seems like a tough order. That's why so many people make the mistake of doing something shallow which draws attention, confusing the idea of "attention-getting" with the substance of "making your mark." One is temporary and selfish, the other one solid and selfless.

I recently spoke with a teacher who's been in the classroom for twenty-five years. She told me that there is nothing more satisfying than to hear from a former student who, years later, tells her that she is the reason they're successful today. What was difficult for them for the to see through through the haze of their hectic days as a student became quite clear years later when seen through the lens of perspective.

And yet, do you need to be a parent or a teacher in order to make that difference? What if, instead of relying on someone else to be a positive influence, you took on that responsibility. As crazy as it might seem to you today, you and your peers are indeed the leaders of tomorrow's world. For that matter, the crop of younger students who will be following you through high school will also be stepping into leadership positions someday. Believe it or not, you have an influence on them as well. It's a matter of what kind of influence you choose to be.

That means you have choices to make. Do you leave your mark on this world by going for the cheap, quick laugh, by doing some "outrageous" stunt (a term which grows more tired with each passing month), or do you sincerely make a difference in the lives of your peers and those who will be following in your footsteps?

I'm not naive, and I understand that the vast majority of teenagers might think this is either more responsibility than they want, or it's just not cool enough for them. I have no illusions of connecting with every student with this article. However, I'm also aware that there are a growing number of intelligent young adults in our country, those who really mean it when they say they want to "save the world."

Saving the world isn't limited to recycling and checking carbon emissions. Saving the world can also take the form of encouraging fellow young people to harness the collected power of their brains, to take that magnificent computer within each of us and use it for good.

So where you come in? Well, it starts with the choices you make regarding education. Believe it or not, the students around you -- and particularly the students in the grades below you -- are watching and taking notice. What image are you projecting to them about school? Are you openly proud of your academic achievements, or do you hide them in order to play cool? Do you mock or criticize your teachers, or do you respect the role that they play in your life?

I've heard professional athletes make a ridiculous comment regarding their influence on young people. They've said, "I'm not a role model." They mistakenly believe that the term only applies if they want to be a positive influence. Sorry, but even if they chose to act foolishly, both on the field and off, it doesn't mean they can opt out of influencing young people. It doesn't work that way. Professional athletes are role models for the millions of young fans following them, just as you are a role model for the kids following in the grades behind you. It's simply each individual's choice as to what kind of role model they want to be.

Take some time to think about what mark you want to leave behind. I understand that the easy way out is to try to do something cheap, shallow, and temporary. I also understand that the people who truly are interested in making a difference, and in making the world a better place, have their sights set much higher. How are you influencing the students around you, and the students who are coming up behind you? When they watch your actions and your attitude about education, what are they seeing? How will it influence their behavior? And, in the long run, what will that mean for your community, and for the world at large?

You make a difference, whether you realize it or not. Are you up for it?

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