Prosperity at LHS

Kasey Lakin                         Franklin’s Proverbs            

            At Lexington High School, there are many choices that students have to make. These choices shape who they will become in the future. The goal for every student is to reach his or her own level of prosperity. This is when one is able to succeed in all aspects of their life, living to the fullest version of themselves. By following Franklin’s proverbs, one is sure to prosper academically, mentally, physically, and socially at LHS.

           Though some may argue that there is such thing as “time well wasted”, Franklin advises one to “employ thy time well if thou meanest to gain leisure.” As student in the world of modern technology, there are a lot of possible distractions. Spending time on homework is always more productive than wasting hours on Facebook. Though obvious, this can be difficult for some. If one does all of their work first, then they will rightly deserve time to spend doing whatever they please. Leisure time can then be fully enjoyed because there is no need to worry about any other priorities. Following this proverb will help one prosper academically, by putting schoolwork above all. Also, this will help one mentally prosper because they will be at better peace with themselves knowing they are spending their time well.

           Like most high schools, LHS does not lack in rebellious teenagers who enjoy using alcohol or other drugs. At some point it is likely that one may find themself in a situation involving any of these substances. This is the point where they have to make the decision to either involve themself in that behavior or not. Some think that one only learns from experience and mistakes, but according to Franklin, “tis easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.” If one says no in their first experience with drugs, then continuing to say no will just get easier. On the other hand, if one decides to take their first drink or first hit of some drug, a further and deeper desire will kick in. From here, one could head down what some call a “bad path” or get into some sort of mess that could have been avoidable. Suppressing the desire right away can lead to more opportunity for one to be prosperous as a sober and physically and mentally aware student.

            In the time one is attending Lexington High School, they will probably face some sorts of power struggles. This could be between oneself and their teacher, their parents, or their friends. Though some feel as if control lies in the hands of external forces, Franklin believes that “you give to another power over your liberty.” At LHS, this is certainly true. If one allows the adults in their life to control them, then their freedom is suppressed and they cannot show off their true self. When teachers have too much power over one, then one will not be able to enjoy the class as much because they will be too worried about the grade or what the teacher thinks of them. Socially, one will dominate at LHS if they don’t allow their peers to get under their skin. They will be able to make their own decisions without other influences. It is up to oneself whether to feel inferior to others, or to prosper as a strong, independent being.

            One of thing that an LHS student gets a lot of is advice. A teacher could criticize ones work and tell them how to improve; a parent may tell one about their experiences and advise what to do in certain situations; a friend may tell one how to act at a party or how one can get people to like them.  Though advice can be extremely helpful at times, it is not what holds significance in Franklin’s opinion. He says, “We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.” One can be told how to do all sorts of things at LHS, but ultimately they are the one who decides how to act. Using the advice given to them, including the advice given by Franklin himself, is something one applies independently to their own life. If one can act on the right advice, then one will succeed and prosper in finding their own individuality.

            Franklin’s proverbs can be applied to any Lexington High School student. Using his advice, the choices one will make can all be reasoned to their benefit, and therefore useful in their overall success at LHS. His wisdom ensures prosperity, in all aspects of life, for those who follow.