As we finish up our second week of school, one thought keeps coming through my mind. Fresh slate.

As the autumn season sets in, nature starts its preparations for the long sleep coming. The leaves on the trees make their last stand against the bitter winds they feel coming, the bugs take refuge deep in ground, and birds say their last good-byes to their summer home.

However, as one gear down shifts, another one is just kicking in. School is still filled with the scent of new backpacks, sweet kicks and sharpened pencils. Classmates are just starting to build relationships that will last for lifetimes, old friends are catching up on the long summer between taking notes, and teachers are starting to lay down their systems and teaching style.

It's a wonderful, happy time of the year. Everything is new and exciting. Now, while things aren't set in stone, is the time to shape and put in place the habits and qualities that we would like to have for the school year. In the words of an inspiring cross country coach, a goal not written down is just a dream.

Let us take advantage of this opportune moment and live in the present. Whether it be with sports, friends, academics or personal life, it doesn't matter what we've done, it's already happened. All we can do is focus on what we have right here, right now, and make the most out of it.

What will you write on your "fresh slate?"