Choose a Word of the Year.

What one word encapsulates what you require for the year ahead?

How can you focus on “one word” for the year that allows you to simplify what you want to accomplish? I couldn’t settle on one word; therefore, I chose an overarching theme of the three C’s, with connections being my first pick followed by consistency and creativity. Human connections are imperative. I will lean in a bit more to connect with students, colleagues, families and friends. If you believe in your one 2022 word, sprinkles of joy will find you. Consistency is how I want to simplify and strive for more balance in my life. Finally, I will carve out a mindset change that permits creativity to work its way into my blog posts and learn to take photos that will tell an anecdote in a single shot. 

Tim Cavey, educator, podcaster, and a middle school vice-principal in Surrey, BC, hosted a thought-provoking live podcast on January 1, 2022, titled #oneword2022. Tim is the Teachers on Fire podcast host who profiles inspiring educators about what and who shapes their thinking. Voice is important. I was intrigued with his kickoff to 2022 with the essential question: What’s the one word in 2022 that will change your life? Tim interviewed educators on the podcast, and they chose words such as to invest, firm, lift, purpose, energy, etc. 

When our January 2022 classes went online for the third week of January, I proceeded with the one-word motivator check-in question for my grade 12 students. However, I chose to do something different for the new year. I challenged my students to select a word encompassing their graduating year. Their one-word focuses on them thinking about themselves and their goals. It’s important to allow young teens to know how powerful their voices and ideas are. They do not need to wait to experience their one word; do something now. It begins with fine-tuning your mindset. I introduced them to the musician Matthew West’s song Do Something, Amanda Gorman’s 2021 US inaugural speech, and The Hill We Climb to inspire them.

I have included a sample of my students’ one-word and their responses:

Satisfaction – having satisfaction will bring positivity to your goals.

Positivity – during these last few months at high school, I want to be optimistic and not think about the negative things; I will get through my graduating year by having a positive mindset.

Music – throughout the pandemic, it is used as a way to de-stress.

Grow – I want to see myself grow into a better person as the year moves forward.

Understand – I have to understand that it’s time for me to get ready and leave behind what has been my life for the past twelve years; I need to realize that these last couple of months will be the end of many relationships with people that I have called friends for years.

Conversations – as this year is stressful, I value meaningful connections and discussions with friends more so than ever.

Graduation – it’s a big deal to graduate on time; not many people in my family have; I’m excited to pursue post-secondary education; therefore, not graduating on time is not an option.

Notice – I hope my teachers will notice how much effort I have put into my final semester assignments.

Motivation – To succeed in high school is a necessity; with the right incentives, you can accomplish anything.

Culmination – it’s the culmination of twelve years of school; all these years signify a new beginning; while one journey is ending, a new one is also in the works; an expensive one.

The overall notion of selecting “one word” could be a great return to school idea for September or January. Students sent their one word to me using Microsoft Teams chat after viewing and listening to a few motivational speeches and songs. Also, students can research their one-word create art or blog. I informed my students that there is no perfect time, the perfect moment, or the perfect word. The time is now. Explore your one-word; write it down; learn as you go but go!