Purpose

What is purpose, and why do we value it at Homestead Senior Secondary College?

As I walk through our college, I am often amazed at how seamlessly our students have adapted to their new and evolving school environment. These are students who are finding their place, but also students who have truly made this place their own.

These are students who know exactly what subjects they need and the pathway that will take them where they want to go, and these are also students who have no idea … yet.

In all students however, I see young adults finding their purpose in life.

Finding one’s purpose is not about getting the job or car you want; it is the force that guides and sustains you for the rest of your life. At Homestead this is the guidance and experiences we provide, that nurture and support the growth and development of our students as they navigate their three-year journey. It is especially rewarding witnessing our students as they conclude their senior years with a strong sense of purpose.

For Homestead students the sense of purpose is so important. 

There is a common misunderstanding among students that it is important to do "the hard subject" to do well. This couldn't be further from the truth. What is important is that our students follow their joy, their passions; this is where they will do well. Then they will find success and create a positive cycle of love for learning.

Those who are reflective and find purpose are not as affected by challenging times and setbacks. For these individuals their purpose is the google maps in the background directing them to where they need to be.

At Homestead Senior Secondary College purpose is one of our co-developed values and lies at the very heart of everything we do. With purpose students understand themselves as individuals, they understand what they stand for and they understand where they want to be. Purpose is not an easy thing to find. It takes time, it takes guidance, and it takes courage.

Finding ways to discover or refine your purpose can be a challenge. I ask all student to reflect on this. "Without a conversation, nothing changes". Think to yourself, when was the last time you questioned what you stand for? What is your purpose? Who have you had this conversation with?

When you allow yourself to have these conversations you allow yourself to find your purpose and you find the path to where you want to be.

Some ideas to help our students find their purpose:

-practice gratitude-our mind is naturally designed to be negatively biased. Practicing gratitude, through neuro-plasticity, changes our mind to a positive bias. This makes us more kind, more aware and develops our purpose.

-take time out for self-care-we all perform better when not under stress, take the time to be at your optimal self

-accept yourself for who you are- accepting who you are, your limitations and your strength means you know who you are. This is the baseline from which you grow.

-spend time with those who inspire you-"you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" -Jim Rohan. 

-be part of a community- being part of a community will ensure you feel connected to others

-explore new experiences- trying new things will mean you are more aware of the world around you; you will be more able to make informed decisions