Every year, I write a note to encourage you to reflect on the past year and to prepare for the new one. This year, I want to offer some more unorthodox advice for success: be a pig.

Not a chauvinistic one or a self-centered one. I’m not even suggesting that you take your cues for grooming or conduct from our swinely friends either. Rather, I am recommending that you consider how a pig participates in the average American breakfast.

When you consider a typical American breakfast of eggs and bacon, chickens only make a casual contribution. Chickens offer two or three eggs and it costs them nothing – they will live to lay eggs again. They don’t put their everything into breakfast – they are spectators at best. But the pig on the other hand gives everything to make the breakfast possible. He can’t donate bacon – he has to give all of himself or the breakfast can’t take place.

Give your whole self – your very essence – for a better 2009. Sacrifice your time to be more involved with A Better Chance this year – we could do greater things if we had more of our Scholars on board. Sacrifice some social events to be more invested in your education – your grades could be better if you give your all this year. In every project that bears your name and every task that you undertake, let all those who pass by take note that this could not have been possible without your sacrifice. I’m recommitting to sacrificing in support of your success this year myself – I’ve never believed in you more.

Stop being a mere contributor this year – don’t be a chicken. Be a pig.