Brunswick Values

Persistence

Cathy Serratore

Wellbeing Officer - Middle School

Persistence:  

...the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult 

The school community takes this opportunity  to acknowledge Lucas Pisano (Year 10) for demonstrating amazing dedication and persistence. 

During this term, Lucas has been spending time  practicing his soccer skills. Lucas’ dedication has not gone unnoticed, and staff continue to be impressed by his persistence in training on a daily basis. 

Lucas agreed to have an interview for the school newsletter and share his journey of health and fitness. He has recently joined a new competitive soccer club with the intention of improving his skills.   His exceptional commitment sets a high standard for everyone and demonstrates his unwavering team spirit.

'I want to work harder and be better for myself and my new team. 

And after training I feel more energetic, more focused, and can feel a positive improvement in my mood.   I am ready to take on the day.'

Lucas sees all the benefits of persisting with his regime - not just to improve his soccer skills, but also his physical and mental fitness.   Lucas' long-term goal is to one day compete in the National Premier League. 

Whatever path you take, Lucas, we are proud of your effort and persistence and wish you every success in your sporting endeavours. Keep up the fantastic work and continue to motivate and inspire other students and staff, because with persistence comes great reward!

Persistence is a very important trait - as it allows you to overcome challenges and obstacles that you may come across on your journey through life.

• You may want to get your driving licence, but if you do not persist in learning how to drive lawfully and correctly you will not achieve that goal
• You may want to achieve your best in your next Maths SAC, but if you do not persist in practising and learning how to correctly complete maths tasks you will not be able to show how well you really can do
• You may want to widen your social network, but if you do not persist in taking opportunities to meet and talk to new people, you may miss out on the opportunity to develop new friendships

It can  be really hard to motivate yourself to persist; you have to embrace the idea of being vulnerable and making mistakes, learning from those mistakes, taking on those lessons and then trying again for success.  It can be discouraging not to "get things right the first time" - but that is not what life is all about!  We all constantly need to learn new things, master new tasks, meet new people, visit new places, and understand new concepts - all throughout our lives.  We have no choice but to give things a go, to try our best and to forgive ourselves if we fail. We need to persist in order to succeed.  We can always try again.

Don't let the fear of failure hold you back.  Believe it or not,  successful people have faced failures or challenges along their  way to success. Success only came after they persisted in their efforts, using any setbacks as opportunities to learn, to grow and to improve. They did not give up on their goals, even though at times they wanted to, or were tired and discouraged, or the way was hard and full of challenges.

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” - Nelson Mandela