How to become Wise: Student Advice

How Do You Become Wise? Nuggets of Wisdom from Students and Staff

Nathan Hershberger and students led chapel about wisdom this week: How do you become wise? The chapel was filled with reflection, laughter, and advice—both biblical and personal—from teachers and students alike. Our year long theme:“Tell us a Story,” is all about emphasizing that wisdom is gained through experiences. We listen to each others stories to learn from them, we make meaning together and gain wisdom. Ms. Gasho advised, “You can’t fail if experience is the goal.”

Hershberger explained that wisdom in the Bible is often conveyed through parables, which are “little distillations of wisdom.” Jesus used parables to share wisdom, such as comparing the kingdom of God to “a treasure buried in a field,” echoing imagery from the Hebrew Bible. In Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman inviting everyone to learn from her. The New Testament continues this theme in the Gospel of John, where “the word was with God and the word was God,” with “word” meaning logos or wisdom. This wisdom, encoded in the world, becomes personified in Jesus, illustrating the concept of “lady wisdom become flesh.”

“Wisdom calls from the streets, on the heights beside the way, beside the gate, inviting everyone to learn from her.”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Nuggets of Wisdom from Students

Five students then shared advice that has shaped their lives. Each offered a unique perspective:

Joel recalled his baseball coach, Nevin Layman, encouraging him to focus on small, steady growth:  “Just get 1% better every day.”

Jude shared a heartfelt lesson from his 83-year-old grandfather: “Always stay like a child at heart.” Jude explained that even as time is limited, it’s important to find joy in everything you can.

Manny remembered encouragement from Ms. Herzler during a college workshop: “You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Just make the next choice that’s right for you.”

Lily described the advice of soccer coach Mr. Overacher:  “Have fun and enjoy the present moment.”

Eliza reflected on a lesson from her volleyball coach, Caitlyn Ty: “Don’t work for the jersey. Work for yourself.” She shared how this helped her focus on internal goals rather than external approval.

Other students in the audience were prompted to consider what advice they needed to hear this year. Responses included:

“Take a step back. Take a short break.”

“It is okay to walk away from situations.”

“What happens in the dark always comes to light.”

“You don’t have to be friends with everybody.”

“Practice makes progress.”

These reflections revealed a common theme: finding balance, grace, and self-compassion in the face of daily challenges. Hershberger summarized some keys takeaways as we approach the school year. 

1. Wisdom comes through experience.
2. Take life one step at a time.
3. Rely on community.

“We learn from each other’s wisdom…And we learn from the community that surrounds us when we make mistakes.” – Mr. Hershberger

Watch the whole chapel here.