Below is an article about reaching your goals from one of our residents, Walter Bachelder, that appeared in our internal newsletter, the Pulse. This past spring, Walter met one of his major goals when he graduated from Mass Bay Community College. His word have resonated with all of us here at BHS, and we wanted to pass it on to you!  Read the full text of the article below for your daily dose of inspiration:

A Community of Inspiration by Walter Bachelder

At Bethany Hill School, you do not have to look very far to find inspiration or someone leading by example. Chances are one of your neighbors may have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, a goal that they have set for themselves. It might be learning how to read, or a a new language, computer skills, or a new craft. It might be living clean and sober or returning to work or school. It happens around us every day. So many goals are being accomplished and so many success stories being written, with many more to be told. The Bethany Hill School community is one of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. Each resident has inspired or set an example for others in one way or another. I see it every day.

Many of us have hidden talents and creative sills that tend to flourish as we set out on our journeys. You find these in the garden, in the pictures posted in our display case and at each BHS community event. As we continue to progress along our paths, we learn new things about ourselves. We find our strengths, our likes and dislikes, we build new friendships and learn what each of us is capable of achieving. We acknowledge the goodness of life around us. We find kindness in our community and a had always available. We learn hw to extend our own hand when one is needed.

When I first came to Bethany Hill School in 2002, I had quite a long list of goals that I wanted to accomplish, all in my first year. I quickly learned that, realistically, that was not going to happen. But as each year passed, I was able to cross one or two completed accomplishments off my list. The list eventually got shorter and shorter. Many of my goals were small, but extremely important life skills, like learning how to be respectful, understanding, supportive, and non-judgmental. I worked hard learning how to listen, be helpful, and live a good healthy lifestyle. All of this supported my ongoing long-term goals of living clean and sober, returning to school and being a good father, friend, and neighbor. Having continuously incorporated all of these skills into my daily life, I now have the ability to add new goals to my list, moving on even further in my life. I am also able to set examples, like those that were set for me when I first moved to Bethany Hill School.

No matter what your goals may be, there is someone in our community willing to help you achieve them. I did not reach mine alone. It was the direction, inspiration, encouragement and examples set by past roommates, neighbors, and staff that supported me, and continues to support me in my journey. There are so many great opportunities available at BHS that we are all deserving of. It just takes some inspiration, support, encouragement and determination, all of which you will find in yourself, neighbors, and staff. 

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