At Aliso Niguel High School, a new wave of inspiration is sweeping through the halls, thanks to one of the recently appointed librarian clerks, Ms. Sofia Lanning. With a deep-seated passion for fostering a supportive and motivational environment for students, Ms. Lanning has developed a unique jar called “Ms. Sofia’s Inspiration Jar.”
The Inspiration Jar serves as a creative tool designed to motivate and uplift students. It offers a distinctive twist on traditional motivational systems, allowing students to engage with the jar in a way that suits their individual preferences. The jar is filled with a variety of options that encourage positivity, empowerment, and self-reflection.
Students can choose to pick a motivational script that contains encouraging messages and affirmations. These scripts provide a much-needed boost and serve as gentle reminders of the potential each student holds.
What sets Ms. Sofia’s approach apart is her understanding of individual needs and she said “Not all students are comfortable with standard motivational quotes. I wanted to have something for everyone in my jar.”
Due to this, she has included colorful stickers as an alternative option. Picking a sticker offers a light-hearted form of motivation that resonates with students who might prefer a more visual and playful form of encouragement.
Ms. Lanning also commented, “What I love most is seeing the student’s facial expressions when they read their motivational quote or even their reaction to the sticker they pick out.”
This thoughtful addition showcases Ms. Lanning’s commitment to considering different personalities and preferences, ensuring that everyone feels included in this motivational journey.
In addition to uplifting messages and stickers, the inspiration jar also has a thrilling surprise. Each week a lucky student who engages with the jar could be the lucky winner to receive a special reward. This element of surprise adds an exciting twist to the process, encouraging students to participate and mark their involvement in their journey of motivation and growth. It not only initiates engagement with the jar but also fosters a sense of community and shared excitement within all of Aliso’s students.
Ava Menhaji (11) commented on Ms. Sofia’s jar saying “I love Ms. Lanning’s thoughtfulness and how considerate she is to put such a thing in the library for the students and overall wants to make everyone feel welcomed in the library.”
The positive impact of the Inspiration Jar is already palpable. Students have reported feeling more connected to their peers and more enthusiastic about their school experience.
Ms. Lanning has encouraged students to contribute their motivational scripts or stickers to the jar, creating a collaborative atmosphere. This inclusion promotes a sense of ownership over the initiative and enhances its impact. When students see their own words and creativity represented in the jar, they feel proud and involved, reinforcing the idea that motivation can be a shared experience.
As the school year progresses, “Ms. Sofia’s Inspiration Jar” continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of all students. It stands as a beacon of encouragement, reminding everyone at Aliso Niguel High School that support, creativity, and community can transform the everyday school experience into something truly remarkable.
