10 Things Students Need to Know

Today, on Holly's Highlights podcast, we'll continue our educational focus geared more towards all of you students heading back to school. We'll discuss real-life lessons and apply scripture to help us better understand each of the ten (10) things every students (of all ages and seasons) needs to know. 

As Malcolm X said “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” So, join us on Holly's Highlights podcst to best prepare for heading back to school this year.

Holly's Highlights Back-to-School Challenge:
Join us in sponsoring one (1) haitain student's school tuition for only $20 total (that covers the whole school year's tuition!). Our goal is to get 90 students sponsored. Sponsor a child today at https://nkchristian.givingfuel.com/give.

Related episodes on Holly's Highlights podcast:
S4 E16 - Igniting Hope: Reviving Haiti's Struggling Education System
S4 E14 - The Art of Personal Representation: 5 ways to represent yourself in a positive way

S3 E11 - 5 must reads for personal growth and development
S3 E7 - 4 areas for balancing our health and wellness 

S2 E29 - Parenting Kids’ Screen Time
S2 E18 - How to Develop Friendships - The Gift of Friends
S2 E 15 - 5 Things Employers Wish You Knew
S2 E13 - Purpose in Our Path
S2 E2 - Balancing Life: Student Edition 

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hi, friends, welcome to Holly's Highlight, a podcast designed to encourage, inspire and equip you to intentionally live your life full of purpose. I'm your host, holly Kirby, motivational speaker, leadership cultivator, marketing strategist and personal cheerleader. Let's check out today's highlight. Are you looking for a new book to read this fall with your book club women's Bible study group, or just need a good excuse to gather your tribe in your home and dive deeper in your connection? Well, might I suggest Facelift and Bracing Hope through your heartaches, by yours truly. And right now I want to help you do that for free, that's right. I am giving away five books to one winner. So how do you enter? Well, complete each of these three simple steps. One, follow me on Facebook at Holly's Highlights and or Instagram at Holly Kirby. That's C-U-R-B-Y. Two, share this podcast episode on your social media with a tag of either at Holly Kirby on Instagram and or at Holly's Highlights on Facebook. And number three, rate and review Holly's Highlights podcast on Apple Podcast. One selected winner will be chosen by noon on August 23rd 2023. Winner must reside in the lower 48 states of the US and books will be shipped for me personally, and they may even arrive signed by the author. Thank you in advance for helping me grow my social media, spread the word of Holly's Highlights and making the podcast more easily found through your rating and review. Now good luck on winning the books.

Speaker 1: 1:32

Welcome back to our Back to School series, where last episode we had Superintendent James Ulyssi with us to help bring delight just how blessed we are in the USA with our educational opportunities, and he even invited us along in the journey of helping make it possible for Haitians to attend school there in Haiti. This year, our goal is to fully fund 90 students at $20 each. You guys, that is so doable for all of us. I mean, a backpack for our kids going back to school is easily $20, and yet $20 will provide an entire year's tuition for our child in Haiti. So I'd welcome you to be a part of the positive impact there in Haiti. And sponsoring just one child at $20 total out the door so simple and yet goes such a long way. Simply go to wwwnkchristiancom and select give. Then you'll see the drop down menu there that you can select to sponsor a child and simply pay the one time donation of $20 to do so. So simple, thank you in advance for helping be the change you wish to see in this world by making it possible for a student in Haiti to further their education, but then also provide a little bit of financial aid for the parents who, as we shared on the last episode season four, episode 16, that Haitians make an average of $2 per day, not per hour per day. So again, thank you for encouraging, inspiring and equipping those families. Together. I know we can make a difference and get those 90 kids fully funded. So feel free to share the word post on your social media, sit down in your text messages or chat about it as you're filling up your Stanley mug at the water cooler. Truly, each one can reach one. So thank you for being a part of that impact.

Speaker 1: 3:23

Today we're going to continue our educational focus, geared more towards all of you students heading back to school, from pre-K to graduate studies. My dad has been so instrumental in being my encourager and the one to inspire me and even to equip me with advice, and, as such, he has been instrumental in sharing these tips with me as a student throughout my years, which I'd be honored to pass on to you as, basically, 10 things students of all ages absolutely need to know. Number one God is good. The day I graduated with my bachelor's in mass communication, my brother-in-law told me and now on for your masters what I thought I was finished. Well, this comment resonated in my head for over a decade, and just six years ago, I had an opportunity at work where I heard that they're going to be doing a scholarship application where you could receive a $2,500 or a $25,000 scholarship. I know totally extreme ends. Well, anyhow, having had this comment on my mind for over 10 years, I wondered if this could be my opportunity to finally pursue that master's degree.

Speaker 1: 4:32

Well, as the deadline approached for submitting the application, I came up with all the reasons why I wouldn't be able to do this, why it shouldn't work right, one of the main ones being I was a single mom and there was no way I could afford to get my master's. And what would that even look like as far as time goes, just the time to be able to invest in going back to school. Well, as the days got closer, I felt led to just go for it, and I did. This passed and I found out that I was actually receiving the $2,500 scholarship. Now, this was great, but that would only pay for one semester, so how would I fund the rest of the semesters. Well, I didn't worry about that. Just then I hunkered down and got that one semester done, and the next semester I decided to take a hiatus in college. I was the one that I was attending. I was able to do that one time, so truly just a one shot, as I was getting a women in business scholarship. Also that helped offset the other fees that the scholarship didn't cover. So when the application opened again that following year at work for me to reapply for this $2,500 scholarship, I went for it. And this time I walked into work one day to be notified by a filming crew flown in from Georgia that I was one of 13 recipients nationwide receiving the $25,000 scholarship, first degree, paid in full.

Speaker 1: 5:59

What all I can say is God is so good. Now will he provide you $25,000 for schooling. I'm not saying that. I am saying that God is good, he knows the needs, he has a plan and his plans can't be thwarted. I fully believe in God and I trust him. John 3.16 tells us for that. God so loved the world, he gave us one, and only be gotten one, son, that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. He is good. And then Jeremiah 29.11. That was actually the very first verse my daughter ever memorized. It assures us that he knows the plans he has for us plans to prosper us, not to harm us, but plans to give us hope and a future. My friend, god is good. So whatever dilemma comes your way throughout the school year, as my dad would say, don't forget in the dark what God has shown you in the light. And that, my friend, is that God is good. Nothing will surprise him, nothing you can't handle with him and through his strength, god is good. Number two Satan is real.

Speaker 1: 7:07

In college, I had the opportunity to apply for a position as PR liaison, working with all the sports commentators from around the world at the 2002 Winter Olympics here in Salt Lake City. I was so excited when I not only got accepted for this, but I was also selected to be at the hockey game venue, which was my first pick. Well, this was, hands down, one of the coolest experiences. I had an up close seat to every single hockey game, accessed all the players as I arranged the media interviews and saw some famous people like Wayne Gretzky and Rudy Giuliani, and one of the friends actors I think it was Matthew Perry yeah, I think that was who it was. And then I met some great people from across the world. My favorite were the Canadians. So shout out to my friends from Canada At the final game, when Canada beat USA, my Canadian commentator friends put a Canada hat on my head and they just smiled, kind of like welcome to the winning side. So I still have that hat. But they were great people. Such a fun experience.

Speaker 1: 8:06

Yet it was also a tiring one, and we worked very long hours and late into the night. Every morning I took a leave of absence from work. They were so great to work with me, as truly, I was at this venue nearly 24 seven. I was even sleeping on the floor of my dad's office, if that tells you anything. His work was just down the street from my assigned venue and well, with the hours working so long, it was just so much safer late at night or early morning and then just so much faster to get to sleep for even a little bit for those few weeks. Anyhow, often as we left that venue and we'd walked to our designated parking area, we would pass by a bar. Now it was the place to hang out. Commentators, spectators, media, you name it.

Speaker 1: 8:51

Well, during the season of my life I was also a youth director, working with middle school and high school teenagers and although one I didn't drink and had never drank, and two, I had so much pressure to come in and hang out, even being told I didn't need to drink, just have appetizers or a soda. Well, for as much pressure as I was receiving and as much as I would have enjoyed hanging out with these people, I thought of my youth. I led, and what constantly went through my mind was if one of them drove by and saw me enter into the bar, they wouldn't know if I was having alcohol or just having a soda, and I wanted to set a good example for them and not leave them astray or be a stumbling block for any of the youth. So I never went into that bar. I simply went back to my car and drove to my dad's work to go to sleep on the floor. Now, going through my divorce years later, guess what was one of my biggest temptations? You got it drinking and me and my kids would house it for a sweet couple who entertained for work, and they'd always tell me Holly, feel free to have anything you'd like. And they entertained well. So they had some pretty nice stuff. But now I had two little kids eyes on me and I suddenly found that feeling of leading by example to the youth being applicable to my children and once again I didn't have a single sip.

Speaker 1: 10:08

Now, no, I am not sharing this as judging anyone who drinks that's a personal conviction of mine not to do so but it is to point out. The devil is real. He will try to tempt us in many ways, whether to use us as a stumbling block to others or to stray us, lead us on a path of destruction or humiliation. Now remember the student not living their life for the Lord isn't a threat to Satan. The one who is living their life for the Lord is a threat. First, peter 5, 8 reminds us to be alert and sober mind, because our enemy, the devil, prowls around us like a roaring lion just waiting for someone to devour. So, whatever choices you make throughout your school year, don't forget Satan is real. Be on guard. Number three, you are special.

Speaker 1: 10:54

I remember being in fifth grade and I had a fabulous bestie, selena. We had just moved cities for my dad's job and I knew no one, and she was so kind to befriend me from the very first day. Now, selena was super smart and she wore glasses. And somehow I concoctioned in my head that to be smart, I needed glasses, like Selena. So I got my mom to take me to the optometrist and I bombed my eye test on purpose. Lo and behold, I got glasses. But did they make me smarter? Nope, in fact, I ended up hating those things because now I couldn't see it all right. I remember going on a family vacation, that you were on my very first cruise and every chance I got to be away from my parents I would take my glasses off. I finally had to fess up to my mom that I didn't need glasses, and then I made it all up so I could get glasses like Selena.

Speaker 1: 11:49

Oh friend, listen to what Psalms 139, 13 through 16 has to tell us, for you created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Did you hear that we are fearfully and wonderfully made? God's works are wonderful. He doesn't make mistakes. God knew fully well that I would battle with self-acceptance, and he used this teaching moment early on in this year to remind me not to try to be like someone else. Just be me, my friend. You are enough. You are more than enough. You are special, just as you are. This is what I'm talking about. Number four the Bible is your guide to life.

Speaker 1: 12:53

I had just turned 16 and Utah experienced one of our heaviest snowfalls. Yet this resulted in everything being closed that day that I was supposed to go get my driver's license right, so the schools, the malls and, of course, the DMV. When I did finally get the opportunity to go get my driver's license, I came upon a railroad crossing where the instructor told me it's just a test, go ahead and drive on through. There were no trains, so I really didn't need to stop. Well, I did. What would some refer to, maybe, as that California stop? You know, like where you get up to the stop sign and you kind of slow roll through the stop sign at the train crossing. Well, to my surprise, when our drive was completed, I learned I failed. The explanation given to me was that I shouldn't be listening to passengers. What I was? Devastated. I couldn't retake the test for several weeks and leading up to that, just the night before I could retake it, I was terrified.

Speaker 1: 13:51

I pulled out my Bible on my bed and I randomly opened it to a verse in Psalms, and it was talking about how God would guard my steps, that no harm would overtake me and that he would lift me up, that he loves me. This verse that I randomly opened to which I don't suggest that, by the way, it doesn't always work for you, in this case I just happened to but it brought such comfort and I recall falling asleep that night in total complete peace, confidently proclaimed in 2 Timothy 3, 16 through 17,. It shares with us that all scripture is God-breathed, that it's useful for teaching and rebuking and correcting, and training and righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Well, throughout your education path, throughout life, let's put it that way you're often going to come across into these crossroads where you wish you had a manual on what to do or how to do it, a survival guide of sorts or an instruction pamphlet. All you need is a word of God. As my dad has always said, there is no better way to be in the center of God's will tomorrow than to be in the center of God's will today. Each day be in his word. I share about verses hanging up in your bathroom mirrors so that you can memorize them each week, and decor pieces with scripture, strategically placed where you'll see it when you get up or when you're going about your day, spending time with the Lord in a morning or evening quiet time, getting involved in a Bible study you name it. There's so many different ways to make sure that we are in his word. The Bible truly can be your guide to whatever you face in life, whatever season you walk in life, whatever you need, whatever concern you have, wherever you find yourself in life, so use it. The Bible is your guide to life. Number five manners matter.

Speaker 1: 15:53

I was 16 and had just got my driver's license when I was driving home from a friend's house and mistakenly thought I was on a 35 mile per hour road, when in reality I was on a 25 mile per hour road. Needless to say, I saw those red and blue lights flashing in the rearview mirror and suddenly was finding myself with my first speeding ticket. Yep, I said first, because I'll admit I've had one as an adult, years ago too, ironically enough, driving on a 35, well, actually I was driving on a 25 when I thought it was a 35 and I totally thought I was on a different road again. Anyhow, shortly after that speeding ticket, I also got into my first accident, and yep, once again. I said first because again, I got into a second accident on my very last day of college, after taking my final exam. I was heading out so excited to be done with college, and a new student, coming on campus, ran a stop sign, t-boned me and totally demolished my just paid off Nissan Pathfinder. Anyhow, high digress. So there I was, 16, two tickets, therefore, fines to pay a card, affix new hire insurance rates to pay, yada, yada. If you've been there, you've been there. About that time our class, keep in mind. I was 16,.

Speaker 1: 17:09

So our classroom school went on our class trip to Catalina Island and towards the end of our trip, everyone seemed to be buying souvenirs. Makes sense, we do that on trips, right? Well, I hadn't brought any souvenir money. I really didn't have any extra souvenir money. Well, one of my friends noticed me not buying anything and he surprised me with a matching shirt and short set that most of the other girls were purchasing. I was shocked.

Speaker 1: 17:34

Now, how does this relate with manners? Well, we can look at Luke 631 on this one, otherwise known as the golden rule do unto others as you would have them. Do unto you what that person did for me. I have tried to pay it forward throughout the years and doing for others what was done for me. Look for ways to be kind to others, to be thoughtful of others, to be respectful and show those, whether we share the same views or not, honor, dignity and respect. No, that's not always going to involve buying them a shirt and short set, but it is looking for how you would hope someone would treat you in a situation.

Speaker 1: 18:11

So, do you see that student sitting alone at the lunch table? Go sit with them. Not always getting picked last for sports or pairing up for an assignment. Go choose them first. Thank that teacher for their investing in you. For one of these days as a leader, you may want to feel appreciated by your team. Resist spitting that spit water, carving your initials in the desk or leaving that trash behind, out of respect for the janitor that comes behind you, or that person who even sits at your desk after you. Place yourself in the other person's shoes, listen as the teacher speaks. They've put a lot of time into that lesson. Hear that classmate out of their perspective that differs from yours, out of respect for every voice mattering. Just simply have manners, kindness, care, Because manners matter.

Speaker 1: 19:02

Number six Be a person of character or honor. I've never seen an episode of the Simpsons. There you have it. I was a junior I believe it was in the University of Utah, studying mass communications for my bachelor's degree when I showed up for a class one day and was informed we were going to watch an episode of the Simpsons. Now I had two choices Sit there in class while the episode played, or to speak up. Now, as uncomfortable as it was as a college student to take a stand for something such as a, at the time, popular TV show, I told the teacher I wasn't comfortable watching the episode and asked for an alternative assignment. Now she wasn't quite sure what to do with that, so she had me sit outside the classroom door on the hallway floor until the episode was over and then just return to class. Now I know for many of you you have so many questions or thoughts, maybe even jokes, on that one going through your head.

Speaker 1: 19:55

But the point is be a person of character. Stand up for your values, your priorities, who you are. Don't sell yourself short, nor sell yourself out. Doing the right thing is not always easy, especially when you're standing alone, but doing so will preserve who you are. It'll speak volumes about you and build your character. So take that high road. Own up to the mistakes. Show up with a growth mindset. Stand up for what you believe in, even when standing alone. When I worked in an offsite office, I had this verse frame sitting on my desk that read Proverbs 22 1. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Be a person of character. Number seven life isn't fair. What made you think it would be?

Speaker 1: 20:50

I was in middle school when I learned my love of being in theater, and yet my journey in theater would lead to what I felt were many unfair moments, one of three. In high school I played the role of Ado Annie in the musical Oklahoma, and the drama teacher instructed me to sing the song I can't say no, which is such a fun song. She instructed me to sing it horribly, why? Well, she thought it best fit the character. Now I had some all growing up specials in the worship service, at church, talent night at the children's camp. I am the traveling ensemble group in middle school with my favorite teacher, mr Fulmer oh my goodness, he was fabulous and even in the high school worship praise team there that at our school. But here I was to sing this song in front of everyone every single night, completely off key, the whole song. Now, to this day, I can't even watch the video out of complete embarrassment that anyone watching it would think I was cursed with the worst voice ever. It truly is humiliating. This is definitely contributed to my insecurity of singing in front of people.

Speaker 1: 21:56

Number two then, the end of that same year, so my junior year, my drama teacher. She had pulled me aside on awards night and explained to me that although she felt I had earned this coveted best lesbian award that they gave out, or whatever it was called, she would be awarding it to another gal who was a senior, so a year older than me, as it was her last opportunity to even earn it. And she assured me of her confidence of me receiving it that following year. Well, surprise, that teacher ended up not coming back the next year and we didn't really have a theater department. So not only did I not get to take part in theater there that that senior year, because of such dilemma, I actually went on to professional acting classes during that time and even trained at the local college. But I never got the chance to try and earn that award my senior year.

Speaker 1: 22:46

And then the third unfair situation was the year after I graduated. Guess who returned to direct one year of theater? Yep, my theater teacher. You know, the one who had had me sing poorly and the one who skipped me for the award. Well, she said she'd only consider returning for a year if me and two of the graduates who were active in theater during her high school years would come and help her. I took on teaching the classes each day, while she worked one on one with those in the scene of that day, and I did choreography for most of the dances. And I played a really key role, along with those other two graduates to co-direct Hello Dolly.

Speaker 1: 23:27

Well, on the final night she went to acknowledge the three of us in front of the audience for all of our work helping her direct drama that year. And as she started she went to call out the guy's name who happened to be her protege and a very close friend, and she suddenly stopped and said no, let's save the best for last. With only two girls left out of the three names to call, mine was called first. It was humiliating. Let's save the best for last and then let's call my name first. Well, the other girl even told me afterwards that she was so embarrassed how it went down and she was sad to say, but she felt relieved my name was called instead of hers. To start, I didn't blame her, it was embarrassing. So all three of these situations seemed to be unfair, but you know what. Such is life.

Speaker 1: 24:18

I still got to play one of my favorite roles ever, to play as Ado Annie. Okay, well, wearing a beautiful gown in Les Mis as Cosette was pretty cool and I loved the dancing and music man as Anita. But again, playing that role of Ado Annie, I really enjoyed that and my love language and words of affirmation of the teacher telling me that according to her, you know in her books I should receive the award is a huge compliment and I truly was happy for my older friend who got it. She was my favorite to work within theater. She had such a love for just theater itself and a love for life and she had such a talent and her smiled up the room so you can only imagine the brightness in that room when her name was called and she won that award. I really was excited for her and I really enjoyed being a part of the directing experience. That was part of the catalyst for my ending at volunteering 10 years as drama director in my community, leading dinner theaters and writing skits.

Speaker 1: 25:14

So, fair or not fair, we can still count our blessings and choose to see the good. We can also learn from what might seem like unfairness and be sure we never treat others in such way. As a leader, I try to set up those I lead for success, not failure nor embarrassment, to give credit where credit is due and to make others feel seen, valued, cared for and that they belong. So something wasn't fair in school. What can you learn from it Then? Move on. Don't let Satan make a mountain out of a molehill or detour you from continuing forward. Simply put in Ephesians 612, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Satan will try to discourage us and get us down in many ways. No, life isn't fair, but what made us think it would be Number eight revenge doesn't work. Forgiveness does.

Speaker 1: 26:22

I was in about second or third grade when I was in my one and only physical fight. I know that's hard to even share that with you. That's a lot of vulnerability for you. I don't even remember the circumstances, but I do remember thinking I'll show her Now. The result was not only a special necklace with mine getting broken in the midst of the physical altercation, but a regret I still have to this day. On the other hand, I have also been the one, as an adult, going back and asking a friend from high school for forgiveness of an offense I caused back in those days, and they so graciously forgave me, which resulted in a renewed connection. Doesn't mean we're besties by any sorts, but a friendship restored in a way that I truly feel forgiven for my words. Friends, romans 12, 19 through 21 assures us not to take revenge but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written it is mine to avenge. I will repay this. The Lord, I hope you don't take my route of revenge or, in my case, fist fight, but rather that of my friend who extended forgiveness without trying to get even or avenge my words that I once used. Revenge doesn't work, forgiveness does. Number nine selfishness leads to emptiness. Selflessness is the filling.

Speaker 1: 27:44

My sister had gone away to Arizona for her college years, to Grand Canyon University in Arizona so shout out there. And I visited her often throughout those years, dropping her off at the dorms, staying with her in her apartment, watching her cheerlead, hanging out with her friends. Really enjoyed it. So when it came time for me in high school to go on our college tour to California, I was sure that I was gonna be going away to school. I even found what I really liked. However, god had other plans for me. I had begun a volunteer position in my community where, as I shared, I was a youth director for a decade, working with youth. Each week I would teach lessons and organize service projects and take them on trips and really just being there for them as they needed on a daily basis. So when I felt God leading me to stay locally for college for them, I did, and you know what? Totally worth it. Yes, I would have loved going away and experiencing living on the campus life and in a dorm, but I wouldn't trade a single second of the time. I invested in them.

Speaker 1: 28:45

Matthew 6, 19 through 20 cautions us not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. And then it continues 10 chapters down in Matthew 16, 24 through 25, where Jesus said to his disciples whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themself and take up the cross and follow me, for whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. You'll have opportunities throughout your education where the selfless road is the route to take and you may just be surprised how much it actually fulfills you. And number 10, your life will be the sum of the choices you make. So choose wisely. Now we see this with the Israelites when they were delivered out of Egypt. In Deuteronomy 30, 19, they're told I've set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life that both you and your descendants may live. And yet what did they choose? To grumble, complain, not listen or obey, basically not to trust God where he was leading them.

Speaker 1: 29:58

Now, I did a study years ago by Beth Moore on the book of Samuel and it really opened my eyes and actually changed my prayer life. As in first Samuel 310, we read about Samuel's name being called repeatedly, and each time he goes to Eli and basically says you rang. And after so many times of this occurring, eli realizes it's the Lord speaking to Samuel. So, eli, tell Samuel next time you hear your name called. Reply speak, lord, for your servant is listening. Well, how many times in our day does God try to get our attention in some way, perhaps in our morning quiet time, or as we drive to school or observe a situation or have an encounter with someone there. Whatever it may be, we miss it. Well, since this jumped off the pages of me years ago, I have started my day in prayer with Speak, lord, your sermon is listening. I don't want to miss what God is trying to teach me and how he might use me.

Speaker 1: 30:54

John Maxwell once said it is our decision, not our conditions nor circumstances, that determine our quality of life or our destiny. And Billy Graham claimed Our life is the sum result of all the choices we make, both consciously and unconsciously. Jesus planned and simply boats it out there in Matthew 1230, anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me. So, just as James 1, 5 tells us, if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to you. So my friend asked it's never too late to make the changes needed in life to reroute either. So last year your grades weren't so hot. New slate A reputation still following you from choices made this year. Clean slate Need to choose some new friends who make better choices. Open slate this year. Live your best life by deciding to choose wisely. As my brother would say, may the wise person show up, not the foolish. Choose wisely.

Speaker 1: 32:02

Malcolm X said Education is the passport to the future. Your tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. So as you prepare to head back to school, I hope you're able to add these tools to your back to school success this year. Knowing God is good, realizing Satan is real. So be alert and on guard. Remember you are special. Use your compass, the Bible it is your guide to life. Manners matter. Be a person of character. Don't expect life to be fair. Avoid revenge. Practice forgiveness. Be fulfilled by selflessness, not emptied by selfishness, and choose wisely. Happy back to school. My friend, thank you for joining me on this journey of life. I hope that today's highlight has been encouraging, inspiring and equipping so you can go out and live your life full of purpose. I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to leave a review or, better yet, subscribe. We can also stay in touch by joining my email list at hollycurbycom. That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom. Until next time, make it a great day for a great day.