Good evening (joke), SHBS Family.

Where’s Irene? .... When Irene asked me to give an opening ceremony speech on behalf of the faculty, I thought to myself: “Give a speech in front of the whole auditorium?? I would rather go back into lockdown.” But then I thought to myself: How can I say ‘no’ to Irene?? She’s a dear colleague, flatmate, and friend. So, if you like my speech, you can thank Irene. If you don’t like my speech, you can blame Irene.

I also thought to myself it’s an honor to be chosen to speak on behalf of this highly distinguished faculty, a faculty that rivals that of any high school in China, or America.

Finally, I thought to myself: “How can I ask my students to do something, if I’m unwilling to do that something?? How can I ask my students to give a speech in front of me, if I’m unwilling to give a speech in front of them?”

I now saw this speech as an opportunity to set a positive example for my students and so I accepted the invitation to speak here today.

But I’m not the only one setting a positive example. At every opportunity, the principals, vice principals, faculty, and staff of SHBS set a positive example for us all. Bowen says positive words to motivate and inspire us. Chris provides ice cream to motivate and inspire us. Tony runs a marathon every day to motivate and inspire us. …  

Ms. Liu promotes the school tirelessly, which is to the benefit of us all. Rita makes a promise to her students and doesn’t let a pandemic stop her from keeping that promise. Chloe and many of the Chinese faculty take on the added responsibility, the difficult task of translating American jokes into Chinese. That’s not easy, I know that can’t be easy. These are just a few of the many positive examples that come to mind.

The parents of the students also set a positive example... when they check to make sure their child has done their homework... when they make the time to attend their child’s school event … and of course when they pay the school tuition bill.

What about the students? How can they set a positive example? Easy, by doing their two jobs to the best of their ability. Where are my students? … My students know. “What is your first job?” … That’s right, student is your first job. “What’s your second job?” … That’s right, making Teacher’s job easier is your second job.

Does that mean you have to be an A student to set a good example? No, of course not. That’s too easy. “Then how, Teacher, how can I set a good example??” The answer is on the billboard near the school’s front gate: Dignity. Honor. Respect. Integrity. The GIA values.

How do you set a positive example using these 4 values? By always doing the right thing, the good thing, the moral thing, even when doing so is not easy. It’s easy not to cheat when everyone is watching, not so easy when no one is watching. It’s easy to say no to a stranger who wants to copy your homework, not so easy to say no to a friend who wants to copy your homework. It’s easy not to bully, not so easy to intervene when you see someone being bullied. Remember: Dignity. Honor. Respect. Integrity. And Humor. No, that is not one of the GIA Values, but it should be.

In closing, I leave you with you this quote from former President of the United States John F. Kennedy, which I will paraphrase here:

“Ask not what your school can do for you; ask what you... can do for your school.”

Thank you, everyone, and let’s have a great school year!