It may take me a minute to get where I’m going, but stick with me.

Over the past year, I’ve been introduced to Amazon Music. For those of you who know me well—don’t worry—I use the version that apparently comes free with the guy who shows up at my house three times a week. As a result, my “liked” songs are all over the place: Turnpike Troubadours, Dr. Dre, Kid Rock, Mötley Crüe, CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hardy, Luke Bryan, Eminem…and plenty more. A wide range of genres, styles, and eras.

But I digress.

The song that unexpectedly inspired this perspective is Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. Specifically, the chorus:

“I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.”

Mother Nature sure knocked us down last week. But she’s not going to keep us down.

What “Snowmageddon” reminded me of is a lesson that took me a long time to truly learn: I’m not in control. There are many things in my life—professionally and personally—that I have zero control over. Weather. Circumstances. Other people’s choices. Unexpected disruptions.

What I can always control is my response.

That lesson didn’t fully take hold for me until my late 30s. If you’re not there yet, consider this an early invitation. Take an honest look at what knocks you down and recognize that, more often than not, it’s outside of your control. The real work—and the real growth—comes in how you respond. Getting back up. Pressing forward. Choosing your next step with intention.

So how does this connect to our junior high–aged students, who at times seem…out of control?

It’s simple to say and hard to do.

As the adults in the room, we have to model what we want them to learn. We have to make the best of the situations that confront us. We have to respond to adversity thoughtfully, calmly, and positively—especially when things don’t go as planned. Our students are watching how we handle disruption, frustration, and uncertainty. Long before they master content, they are learning a mindset.

They will get knocked down. 

Our job is to show them that getting back up isn’t optional—it’s a way of life.

“I will be better today than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tomorrow.”

And sometimes, progress simply starts with standing back up.

Marc Hostetter

Principal, MVJHS