Parents Education Corner: Time: The Commodity You Can't Get Back

Over the years, I've had the privilege of interviewing a wide range of individuals—from C-suite executives and television professionals to college professors and business owners. I started the Time Matters Podcast during the pandemic, where the focus was on professionals from diverse industries sharing insights from their personal journeys.

For the past 20 years, people have asked me about navigating the public education system, specifically K-12 and higher education. While I’m not an expert in all areas of education, my background gives me insight. I hold a master’s degree in education administration and have taught at various levels in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), including as a mentor teacher. I’ve also substituted at a private middle school and taught preschool and kindergarten at the Merit School of Stafford, along with serving as a substitute in Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS).

During the pandemic, Time Matters Podcast focused on professionals sharing their personal stories, from childhood to career, offering valuable lessons for families.

Time is one of the few resources you can never get back. Once it's gone, it’s gone. For some, the day slips away because they slept in; for others, the day starts at 5 a.m. and ends with a sense of accomplishment. How can we teach our children the importance of time management and goal setting? Here are a few questions for students to reflect on:

• Is the valedictorian’s high GPA a result of luck, or did they track their grades and progress throughout high school?

• While you may be sleeping in, is the star athlete at the gym or training?

• Do you have a part-time job?

• Do you volunteer?

• Are you involved in leadership roles at school, church, a club, or a team?

• What makes you stand out from your peers? They are your competition.

• Who are your peers?

• Do you help watch your younger siblings?

These questions may seem trivial to some, but they’re important. Consider how a prospective employer, military academy, or college admissions team might view your past habits and involvement. What you’ve done in the past speaks volumes about your potential. I’ve learned that sustained commitment to something you’re passionate about—whether it’s academics, a hobby, or family responsibilities—can significantly enhance your academic and professional trajectory. Helping at home, assisting with younger siblings, or working in a family business shows maturity and responsibility.

How you spend your time matters.