This weekend is not only MTU’s Winter Carnival, but is an important event – my birthday. I am one of those people that loves to celebrate a birthday. Make a big deal about it: banners, and cake, and a party oh my! But I find as I get older, (cough cough, 33, cough cough) the more I reflect on how I have spent my time. And frankly, it scares the hell out of me! What am I doing in life? What is my purpose? Am I living life to the fullest? Am I taking advantage of all the opportunities extended to me? Am I living my life right?

There is no correct answer to any of these questions – I know. It is completely an opinion. I simply can’t help but worry that I am wasting my time. Am I using my time wisely? Am I leaving a positive mark behind? Ah!

I am thankful however, that my profession keeps me (feeling) young. I find that because of my time with the teenagers, it affects my taste in music. It definitely affects how I dress. (Hey Ms. Schick and I didn’t win “Best Dressed Teachers” for no reason!) They recommend TV shows they think I will like (which I usually do wind up liking, such as “Supernatural”). I know the latest viral videos and I can play an X-Box (even if it is only “Lego Batman”).

Then I spend some time with my friends 21-year-old roommate, and listen to her talk about boys and relationships and I have to laugh – there are times where I am very thankful for my wisdom in such matters. (Albeit not enough!) Time and experience have taught me a few things, and for that, I am truly thankful.

While reading “Catcher in the Rye” with my Sophomores, we had an in-depth discussion about mistakes that you make in life. My Sophomores seemed to be in agreement that mistakes were a bad thing, that they were something you should ignore and put behind you, not to think about again.

I was in complete disagreement. I think it is imperative to make mistakes in life. But most importantly, I think you should learn from them. Don’t simply sweep them under the rug and forget them. Yes, do put them in the rear view mirror, but learn from them. Reflect on them. Take those lessons learned and apply them to your life. Don’t let a mistake simply be a mistake. Let a mistake be an opportunity to learn and grow.

It’s like if I decided tomorrow I was going to be a chef – I would not be perfect at it right away. It would take a lot of hard work on my part. I would have to make a lot of mistakes to become even remotely good at it. But knowing me, we would all wind up simply eating raw cookie dough because I am a terrible cook and no one wants to eat anything I make. (Apparently I make great waffles, according to my son.) And I would take that mistake – thinking I could be a chef – and learn from that. Heather French – not a chef. Stick to teaching, you’re pretty good at that.

I am 32 creeping up on 33. And you know what? I think I have, so far, been living my life well and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to me. I am good to my friends and family. Life is short and I should use every minute, and taking advantage of everything. I will make a lot more mistakes. I intend to learn from them like crazy. Because at the very least, when I sit down at the table with those 21-year-olds, I can offer my sage wisdom and advice, and hope that someone can benefit from my mistakes and not have to make themselves.

Editor’s Heather French teaches English at Lake Linden MS/HS.