Principal Perspective

This post is part of a new series on the HIS Nation blog called “Principal Perspective,” written by Holbrook Indian School’s principal, Pedro Ojeda.

Spring is my favorite season of the year. I take great pleasure in watching plants burst out of the ground or start budding. Springtime also brings warmer weather, which I prefer to cold weather. In that regard, I am very different from many people on this earth, including my wife, oldest daughter, grandson, and son-in-law. You would be correct in saying that I could grow in that area.

I admit that there are many aspects of my life in which it would benefit me to experience growth. But growth all too often comes with pain, correct? We all know the phrase “growing pains.” And how about “no pain, no gain”? While we can argue the validity of both terms, I believe there is some truth in them. Here is another one: “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” 

In addition to feeling joy at seeing plants start to grow again after their winter hiatus, I love to see our students get to the next level in their lives in a positive way. Educators often talk about having a “growth mindset.” At Holbrook Indian School (HIS) we want all our students to have a growth mindset. But we cannot just tell students to do so—we must show them the way, lead by example, pave the path, and have patience when they make the choice to stay stagnant. 

Prayer is a wonderful thing. Being able to talk to our Creator just to chat, or to ask for help, is invaluable. It gives me great hope to know that even when our students do not appear to be growing, we just need to “wait for it.” God answers all our prayers in His perfect timing.

This school year is almost at an end, but our students’ lives are just beginning. I will continue to pray for them to experience true happiness that can only come from a growth mindset rooted in Jesus.

—Pedro Ojeda, principal