Sometimes all it takes to break you from your slump is a few words. Whether these come from an encouraging friend, a supportive parent, or an incredible book, they have the potential to make you feel like you can tackle anything. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by school year chaos, take a few minutes to decompress and check out these quotes that can help keep you motivated!
[RELATED: How to Motivate a High School Student]
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”—Nelson Mandela
Current events in the world may leave you feeling happy, sad, burdened, or optimistic. There’s a good chance you’re feeling a little of each. As a student, this quote should ring especially true.
Whether or not you’re dissatisfied with politics, policy, or your school lunch program, education, as Mandela states, is crucial to your ability to enact change. Stay motivated by arming yourself with all kinds of knowledge, and you’ll enable yourself to be a positive force of change in the world around you—on both small and large scales.
“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” –Robert Frost
After you finish high school, you’ll likely be continuing your education in some way. As you’ve probably gathered, the educational process, both inside and outside of the classroom, relies heavily on listening. Through education, you can transform this ability to listen into an ability to act fairly and confidently.
As you go into the real world later on and begin your search for employment, this idea will serve you well. You’ll often be faced with situations that require a careful ear and an ability to absorb, rather than to act on impulse.
"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him. "Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!"— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
It’s easy, amongst all the talk of test scores and scholarship applications, to feel inferior to your talented peers. Even Harry Potter has been there. Luckily, you’ve worked to develop a strong support network that can celebrate your own unique achievements and keep you motivated.
Rather than dwelling on a GPA that isn’t quite as high as you would like, or stressing over when you should take the ACT for the first time, learn to recognize the other qualities that make you the best candidate for whatever you’re going for.
“Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” –E.M. Forster
When the end of the year approaches, it feels like it has taken forever to get there. You may find yourself wondering why exactly your teachers have required you to present your knowledge by way of a presentation or a group project. You might be frustrated with the amount of independent work being thrust your way. To stay motivated, remember that all of this serves an important purpose!
Ultimately, you’ll know more than the shape of the spoon. These lessons, even if they’re difficult to swallow now, will be pivotal to your personal growth and development as you continue your education and eventual career.
