Raising our youth can be a lot like the Chinese bamboo tree. I was reminded of this when Ken Brower, a Fallbrook High School counselor, shared these insights with parents of incoming ninth grade students at a recent orientation. I also know that the illustration applies to more than incoming students.

After planting a seed, watering and fertilizing it for a whole year, nothing happens. The second year you water and fertilize it, nothing happens. In fact, this pattern repeats itself until sometime during the fifth year when the bamboo tree sprouts and grows ninety feet in six weeks.

Life is much akin to the growing process of the Chinese bamboo tree. It is often discouraging. We seemingly do things right, and nothing happens. But for those who do things right, are not discouraged and are persistent, positive things will happen.

Student success in high school may not happen immediately. It may require much perseverance. We need to stay committed to nurturing our youth even when we don’t see the immediate fruits of our labor.

 

Dale Mitchell

Superintendent