Principal's Perspective

The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.

For me, the New Year is more about reflection than resolutions. This year, that sentiment feels stronger than ever. Maybe it’s because I’m turning fifty, or perhaps it’s the result of spending three days stuck in our house without power. While we scrambled to heat our home, I had a conversation with a friend—the kind of friend who makes you think. He’s quite a bit younger than I am, so while he’s looking for advice and confirmation, I’m drawing inspiration from his ideas and growth mindset.

Out of the blue, he asked me, “Do you know when the best time to plant a tree was?” As someone who considers himself an outdoorsman, I was surprised to realize I didn’t know the answer, nor did I understand where he was going with the question. He answered, “Ten years ago. Do you know when the second-best time to plant a tree is?” Again, I was stumped. With a single word, he gave me the answer: “Today.”

There it was—a simple truth that became my New Year’s resolution. This idea resonates with every aspect of my life: family, career, and friendships. The best time to start anything is today. Whether you want to get in better shape, read more books, or create meaningful change in your workplace, the key is to figure out what you want and just begin. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you might not even know what the second step looks like.

Starting is what matters. By taking that first step, you’re planting the seeds for future growth. Even more importantly, by embracing this mindset, you set an example for your children. They learn from watching you that it’s never too late to start, and they see the value of perseverance and action. In doing so, you’re not just planting trees for yourself but nurturing a legacy for the next generation.  And who knows? Ten years from now, you might look back and be amazed at the forest you’ve created.

Marc Hostetter
MVJHS Principal