Everybody knows Kentucky Fried Chicken. Throughout the world, there are around 20,000 KFC outlets in 118 countries. But did you know that before Colonel Sanders found success in his 60s, he was fired from countless jobs and was essentially destitute in his 50s?
Sanders’ story is proof that the path to success isn’t always smooth. In his autobiography, he wrote: ‘Do all you can, and do the best you can.’ He persevered through dozens of failed careers until he finally hit the jackpot.
Then there is Albert Einstein. We know him as the genius behind E = mc2, but he didn’t even speak until the age of four. His early teachers suspected he was ‘mentally slow,’ yet he wrote his first scientific paper at sixteen.
You may have heard of Vera Wang. Before she was a world-famous designer, she was a competitive figure skater. When she missed out on the American Olympic team, she didn’t give up, she changed tack. She began designing wedding dresses and evening wear and also the very costumes the Olympians wore, and today she is in the Hall of Fame for her dedication to the sport.
And perhaps the most stunning feat of all: Ludwig van Beethoven. He continued composing some of the greatest music ever written even after he began losing his hearing at 28. By 44, he was completely deaf, yet he never stopped creating.
There are certainly some amazing stories out there of perseverance and resilience. Some of our migrant families would have very harrowing experiences to share that speak to such fortitude to escape trauma to start a life here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
So it saddens me deeply when I hear of students evading class because they feel it is too hard, or giving up on a team or a council when the commitment gets tough.
You have to develop an ‘I can get through it’ mentality. Because if you don’t, what you stand to lose is huge – opportunities, chances, and the ‘what ifs.’ If something isn’t right for you, or you face a setback, have the guts to challenge yourself in something else. Have the guts to try again. The worst thing you can do is blame others for your lack of progress.
I am asking our students to have grit, to have a backbone, to have that ‘can-do’ attitude that New Zealanders have always been known for. I want each and every one of them to reach their full potential.
Speaking of reaching potential, I want to acknowledge Kayla Bryant, who has qualified to train at the national level for the Biology Olympiad. From here, she may be chosen as one of four people to compete in the World Biology Olympiad.
I also want to acknowledge our Premier Boys’ Volleyball team, who reached the Waikato A-division final and took the win against Hamilton Boys’ High on Saturday night. Winning against Boys’ High is always a special victory!
I leave you with this whakataukī:
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.
Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you must bow your head, let it be only to a lofty mountain.
This means: Pursue your goals with perseverance. If you must fail, make sure it is only to a significant, worthwhile challenge, not to doubt, and certainly not to laziness.
