Mr. Kellen Winslow

Sometimes everyone wonders if what they are doing will really affect them later in life. Some students say, “Just one F on the report card won’t hurt me,” or, “I can slack off now and work to get what I want later.” Some people even think that everything will be handed to them on a silver platter! I have met some people like this. Only a little work was done on their part, and they learned the tough way that taking the easy out doesn’t help in the long run.
 
     I think Mr. Kellen Winslow Sr. summed it up nicely when he said, “If you’re not putting in the time right now, you can’t have the benefits later.” I don’t know why, but that phrase just struck me.
Everyone can understand something as simple as that. One bad choice can add up to another and another and another. The next thing you know, you can’t get into your dream school because they’re looking for a 4.0 and you have a 3.8 from a failed class or two. When you look back, you will realize how a bad choice or grade (that didn’t seem horrible at first) turned out working against you.  This system works in the reverse way, too. Working extra hard to get the A or B instead of C or D, or putting a little more effort into community service, will help you get ahead of the game. Then, your dream school will be offering you a scholarship!
 
     I know that especially during the first year in high school, I might be wondering a lot, “Why does this matter?” or “What will it hurt if I only skip this one assignment?”. All I have to do is think back and remember how Mr. Winslow said, “If you’re not putting in the time right now, you can’t have the benefits later.”

` Kaitlin Blanchard