It’s time for a new school year! We are excited for you to start a new year, with new opportunities for new friends, new learnings, and of course, new experiences. On behalf of AHLI, I welcome you to embrace the “new” this year. At times it will feel uncomfortable, but the rewards of trying something new can outweigh the risks. To excel this year, I encourage you to set a goal to focus on. Whether it is your first year or your fourth year with AHLI, we are here to encourage you and cheer you on to be the best you can be.
New beginnings give us a chance to have a fresh start. We usually say, it’s a “clean slate.” What’s a slate? It’s like a chalkboard that you can write on and then erase if a mistake is made. Last year’s mistakes, hurts, challenges, and problems are wiped away, and the slate is clean for you to start again. Sometimes wiping the slate clean also means letting go of the times when you were hurt or disappointed by someone else.
The Bible tells us in the book of Psalms, “Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.” God gives us a new opportunity for a new start each day. Your host family, Coordinator, and teachers are all ready and willing to help you make this year a great success.
We believe that with the right attitude and determination, you are capable of accomplishing much this year. To celebrate all types of accomplishments, AHLI awards a certificate and Amazon gift card each month to a different AHLI Student of the Month. We look for students who try new things, like a sport or participating with their host families, or just being a kind person. I look forward to hearing about your many achievements this year.
I pray that you will have a great year!
Sincerely,
Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay
