Lower School Students Receive Valuable Message in Entering Holiday Season
In Wednesday’s chapel service in the lower school Jeremy Forrester, a mentor in a myriad of ways at Hillcrest, delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of gratitude. Jeremy is deeply committed to building strong relationships and pointing students towards Christ, and this was evident in his moving address. He wears many hats at Hillcrest, coaching the girls' soccer team, serving lunch, and serving as an assistant in the boys' dorm, performing incredible service on campus with an unwavering dedication to the students.
Mentorship is critical for young students who are in their formative years, shaping their perspectives on life, morality, and faith. Jeremy's diverse involvement in the lives of these students offers him a unique opportunity for mentorship, enabling him to share his experiences and impart invaluable lessons on gratitude and faith.
During the chapel service, Jeremy emphasized the importance of being thankful in both good and challenging times, drawing from his personal journey and the transformative power of embracing the unexpected with gratitude. This biblical notion of being grateful in all circumstances is crucial for reinforcing the significance of these traits early on in a student's life.
Jeremy shared his passion for serving as a chef at some point in the future with students. As President Brad Hoganson aptly notes, a good chef cares most about the one who will enjoy the meal and desires to serve them. This sentiment perfectly mirrors the role of mentors in the lives of young students, who not only identify the unique flavors of each student but also strive to serve them by nurturing their potential and guiding them on the path of faith.
Research has shown that reinforcing gratitude in young minds builds resilience against past and future life challenges, making it a powerful tool for coping and growth. In a world where challenges are inevitable, instilling a sense of thankfulness early on becomes critical for building resilience. The lower school chapel service, with Jeremy Forrester's timely message, sent students into the holiday season with an important perspective on building a parent character trait of thankfulness that will be used consistently throughout the students’ lives as they grow and mature.
Jeremy’s message is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and gratitude in shaping the worldview of young students. With a biblical perspective on thankfulness, reinforced by dedicated mentors and influential institutions like Hillcrest, students are given the best possible opportunity to develop a confident faith that will guide them through life's journey. Jeremy continues to know and serve the students well, and he joins many staff in leaving an indelible mark on their lives, preparing them for a life of eternal significance.