The Golden Rule

“Treat others the way YOU want to be treated.” This is the golden rule I’m sure many of you heard as you were growing up, at school, and from your parents. It essentially means that something you wouldn’t want done to yourself, you wouldn’t do to another person, right? If I don’t want to be lied to, then I don’t lie to others. If I want people to compliment me, then I should compliment others. If I want to be treated with respect, then I will respect others. Simple. I respect the administration and my teachers and my peers and my friends. So I should be respected by all of them and it SHOULD be that simple, but do you always really feel respected? Does being in this school building make you feel like you are growing up to enter a world in which you are respectful and respected? Maybe you feel insignificant or ignored. Maybe you feel like you don't have a voice.  I think we all feel that way sometimes. It’s not always easy to live in harmony with students who have opposing views.  It’s not always easy to understand the motives of adults who are in charge, even if their goal is to keep us safe. 

It can be incredibly hard to respect people when “the golden rule” doesn’t seem to matter anymore. So, we see this problem, and naturally, the next step would be to solve it. The issue then is how do we solve this problem?  How do we change the environment we grew up in? 

First, think about what the idea of respect means to you. If you had to explain it to someone, what would you say? The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines respect as “due regard for feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.'' Now how do we carry that definition out, disregard all our feelings and our emotions in order to please others? Keep all opinions to yourself so as not to offend anyone? Sure, you could live like that, in fear of the arguments and the confrontation. If that's what you decide, then what impact are you making? How are you using the powerful voice you have to make a difference?

We live in a world where fighting for our beliefs and standing up for what we believe in is scary and almost frowned upon. It takes too much effort, too much bravery, and you don't feel smart enough or strong enough or capable. It’s too complicated. There are too many adults that can prove you wrong. That's what stops us, the fears, the process, and the people that could get in the way. The fear of DISRESPECT. 

What I have learned this year, as I have witnessed pushback from the district and administration in many ways, is that it is not disrespectful to disagree with those in power. We are here to learn, grow, and eventually step off into the real world where opposition is everywhere. Power doesn’t automatically make a person right or perfect. Our role as students doesn’t make us less than or unaware of the injustices in our world. There are many respectful ways to bring light to issues that are pressing on your heart. You plan, you prepare, and you make sure you are willing to listen and understand the other side of the story. If you want “the golden rule” to apply here, then you hear them out and hopefully, they will take time to listen to your side. We don’t give up and we stay persistent, and we never lose control of ourselves. Speak politely and calmly to those around you; if you want to be taken seriously, then act seriously towards your authority. We are allowed to disagree with those around us, but it’s all about how we handle ourselves. 

 I encourage you all to not be intimidated because this school is where our lives begin. What we learn in our high school years, we will often carry with us for the rest of our lives. Learn now how to deal with difficult situations. Prepare and equip yourself with the abilities you need in order to make change. The idea of respect is complicated, and it doesn’t always look the same in every situation, but it will take you places. It will pave your way to success! 

Let US become the generation that refuses to tiptoe around topics that are uncomfortable to address but tackles them head-on in a way that makes future generations proud to come to school every day. Let’s build something beautiful together that will carry on beyond our time here at Kenmore West.