The end of a school year is bitter-sweet: I look forward to having a break, but I know I won’t see some of my graduating seniors ever again. I cry like a baby every year. I can’t help it. My mothering side comes out: I wonder if I’ve done my job well enough. Did I prepare my students for the world outside high-school walls? Are they ready to take the first steps into adulthood?

When they are honest with me, as some were these last few days, they admit they are a little scared. I want them to walk through their days with confidence, curiosity, and courage, and it makes me sad that they are nervous about their futures.

My Journalism students are a hodge-podge of personalities, but they are dedicated students; they have confidence, curiosity, and courage already. I was curious as to how these students came to possess the characteristics they seem to have in abundance, while other students I have worked with struggled in every area. What can I do as a mother for my own child to create these things in Ian? What did other parents do to raise such strong, successful children?

All these thoughts culminated in an assignment for my Journalism students, of course. I asked these sophomores, juniors, and seniors four questions to satisfy my curiosity, but also to know what I can do to become a better teacher and mother. Here is the first question with their responses as to what made them successful students.

Think of it as a Parents’ Day gift: It’s a guide for how to raise a successful child.

For the parents of my students, your children are listening and thanking you for it. I thank you for it.

Note: I did edit the responses for parallel construction. I also deleted responses that were the same from student to student. Other than that, these are my students’ answers.

Things My Parents Taught Me That Helped Me in School

To Be and Not to Be

• Be a leader.
• Be your best always.
• Be confident.
• Be patient.
• Be on time.
• Be trustworthy.
• Be respectful to authority.
• Be social.
• Be creative.
• Be nice to everyone.
• Be respectful.
• Be funny without being obnoxious. (I don’t apply this.)
• Be safe.
• Be a good friend.
• Be nice to everyone you meet; you don’t know who they will be someday.
• Be a good listener.
• Be tolerant.
• Be consistent.
• Be kind.

• Don’t worry about the little things.
• Don’t lose sight of who you are.
• Don’t judge; you never know what the person is thinking.
• Don’t let the small things get to you.
• Don’t procrastinate.
• Don’t give any attention to those who would kill to get it.
• Don’t make everyone else happy before yourself; it’s your life.
• Don’t give into peer pressure; just because it makes you cool doesn’t mean you are cool.
• Don’t have any prejudice against anyone.
• Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.

Education

• Listen.
• Learn.
• Stay focused.
• Put school first so that you achieve the most.
• Education is valuable.
• School matters.
• School may matter, but it is not the most important thing.
• It is okay to take a day off, just for a break.
• Listen to your teachers.
• Ask for help when you need it
• There’s value in branching out and participating in more activities. Make high school memorable.
• Do the things (classes and activities) you love.
• Work hard and study hard.
• Do important assignments first.
• Find a system (for note-taking, homework, etc.) that works and continue to use it.
• You can find learning materials online that are often better than the teacher’s materials.
• Create good study patterns: This helped me manage my time better when I didn’t have very many hours in the day because of sports and activities.
• Getting a B and doing your best is ok: My parents have been really supportive all through school, and while I have maintained Straight A’s almost all the way through high school, I know that my parents would not be disappointed or mad at me if I had gotten a B.

Social Skills

• I have to speak up for myself if I want to be heard.
• I can’t let people walk over me.
• It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Have fun while you are still a kid.
• There’s value in taking time to be with friends and school functions, even if I am really tired or “too busy.”
• No one can change your beliefs, but it’s good to see all sides of the problem.
• Let loose. Have fun. You only go through high school and your teenage years once; just don’t be stupid about having fun.
• My parents taught me that I can be who I am, and I do not have to fit into the world or conform to its standards.
• Participate in activities.
• Leave some time for fun (but not too much!).
• Sharing is caring.
• Friends come and go, so try not to get too involved in drama and just learn to enjoy each other’s company.
• Make friends not enemies.
• “It’s nice to be smart, but it’s smarter to be nice.”
• “Guard your heart for it determines the course of your life”
• Crying is ok.
• Take care of yourself

Tongue-in-Cheek

• My parents always told me to do my best all the time because if I didn’t they would give the teacher permission to beat me.
• Always use a knife and a fork and have good manners; girls like men with good table manners.
• Calculators can provide endless entertainment.
• My dad taught me how to pee standing up (less bullying this way).

Achievement

• I have learned from my parents that I do not have to be perfect; I simply have to do my best.
• Find what you love to do and then—do it!
• Try your best at everything you do.
• Nothing is ever just given to you in life; you must always work for what you want.
• Time management is essential to having a successful life.
• Believe that you can reach any goal you set your mind to.
• Whatever you choose to do in life, make sure you are happy doing it.
• Confidence is key.
• If I want something, then I’ll have to work for it.
• Make goals and stay focused on them.
• Communicate well.

How did these parents teach their children this? I’d love to hear from you if you have anecdotes that illustrate the lessons and/or any additions to the list.