At Acceleration East (and Amazon), it's always, "Day 1." When speaking to a group of Amazon managers, Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos explained that Day 1 represents enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, positivity, re-birth, among other things. He also speaks of the dangers and pitfalls of Day 2. He stated that "Day 2" at Amazon is stagnation, lethargy, steady decline, and ultimately the end of Amazon.

I'm not asserting that Acceleration East should resemble Amazon. But Bezos and I share a common belief that we should always enter each day with the characteristics synonymous with Day 1. So, the idea of Day 1 is actually not about Day 1 at all. It's about Days 2 through 180. Will students still bring the same hopes and desires of the upcoming year with them every day? Will they be able to take a high grade, success on the field or court, an amazingly popular school-wide event, and set their sights higher? When they have led a meaningful program on campus, will they start the next day on something even bigger and better? And, on the flipside, will they be able to shake a bad grade, get over a loss, or mend their broken heart in a way that will build resilience and allow them to face each day with renewed vigor?

My hope for our students this year is that no one allows their successes or their failures blur the opportunities in front of them. Break new ground each day, build on successes and mold failures into learning opportunities. If that happens, we'll never have to worry about Day 2 at Acceleration East!

Welcome back to Acceleration East - where it is always Day 1!