Benjamin Franklin once said that nothing is certain except death and taxes, but there is a strong argument for adding a third constant—change. As the river of life continues to flow, it seems the current path is never the same. If one is truly introspective, they would observe that every single day shifts who we are as people, as the events in our lives are what form our beliefs, our beliefs form our morals, and our morals form our personalities. 

It would be difficult to find someone better to explain this concept than Health and Physical Education teacher, Mr. Reid. A former member of the US Coast Guard and later emergency 9-1-1 operator, Mr. Reid shows how change and adaptability have been present in his past professions and throughout his life as a whole.

When asked what change meant to him, Mr. Reid responded that it is “an opportunity to analyze and calibrate your moral compass with the intention to apply it to your life in an effort to become a better version of yourself”. He acknowledged that it may not be easy, as it forces one to experience unfamiliar and uncomfortable scenarios, but he says that this does not discourage him. Instead, he views it as a “chance to grow within change”. When asked what being a better version of yourself meant to him, he said: “For me, a better version of myself will always look more like my God, Jesus”. No matter what faith a person may believe in, to truly embrace change is to be true to who you are and progress each and every day.

Mr. Reid described how, as a young man, he didn’t appreciate change the same way he does today. However, “as [he] grew older and gained more wisdom and knowledge, [he] was able to appreciate [it]”. As mentioned before, Mr. Reid described it as a difficult process but gave some tips in order to start the process of growth through change.

1. Don’t worry about mistakes; value the wisdom that comes from them.
2. Every problem is a gift; without them we don’t grow. 
3. Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out; we often don’t get it right on the first try. 
4. Focus on progress, not perfection
5. Just because you make a mistake, doesn’t mean you are the mistake.
6. Comparison is the thief of joy.
7. Do not take counsel from your fears.
8. Feed your faith and doubts will starve to death. 
9. Doing the right thing doesn’t always make you feel good.

In these nine points, Mr. Reid emphasizes being appreciative of, not only the opportunities granted in life, but the progress we have made already. He suggests focusing on one’s own endeavors, in whatever they choose to endeavor in, and being focused on putting one’s best foot forward, embracing both the ups and downs. Mr. Reid accredits this gained wisdom from one source, saying: “To be completely transparent, I found God. It changed every aspect of my life and helped me pursue my purpose: God’s will”. Mr. Reids’ words of finding whatever drives you, regardless of faith or belief, and honing in on who you want to become will allow you to truly embrace change and grow in your own personal endeavors. Perhaps change isn’t a topic that can be well-defined, or even well-explained, but according to Mr. Reid, it can certainly be well-appreciated.