A crucial part of the Bridge Golf Foundation’s after-school program is character education. Every day, our young men spend time with Reggie Mays Jr., our program coordinator, and Adrian Fontenette, our program leader, before heading to their STEM lesson and golf training.
On Wednesday, the lesson covered “zest” — an approach to life and learning that is full of energy, excitement and vitality. Reggie talked with our students about ways zest manifests itself both at home and at school, as well as the ways it can be received by others.
At school, the students said, someone with zest participates in debates, frequently raises his hand to ask questions and is excited to learn. Being correct all the time, Reggie pointed out, is not a defining characteristic.
“It has to do with your energy, your enthusiasm,” he said, “not the outcome.”
At home, the students said, a person with zest is engaged with and respectful to his parents and other family members, ready and willing to do chores, interested in games and having fun, and excited to help younger siblings with homework.
While such enthusiasm can be contagious to classmates and family members, it can also be met with negativity by those who are not so enthused, our students said. Sometimes classmates might be annoyed by an eager learner, and sometimes even exhausted parents might feel overwhelmed by an especially zesty teenager.
But none of that should stop you from showing your enthusiasm, our young men agreed. Those with zest have the confidence to keep their spirits high, even when facing negative peers or worn-out parents.
This week’s focus on zest also includes a competition. At the end of the week, one student will be honored for showing the most zest. Once we have a winner, you’ll be able to read all about it right here.