As physical education teacher at Edison High, Mr. Robert Roma ‘98 has had ample experience with sports and has learned the importance of self-motivation in many aspects of life. He believes he’s gained many valuable life lessons throughout his journey and has advice on how students can cultivate this necessary motivation to succeed in high school.

Roma believes that trying to compete with other students leads to a negative impact in life. Since everyone has distinct goals, it is impractical to compare one’s progress against another’s, since doing so would simply undermine their self-confidence. He advises that instead of competing with others, you should compete with yourself.

“Set small goals every day to become the best version of yourself,” said Roma.

He urges students to put more emphasis on becoming the best versions of themselves rather than outperforming their “fellow competitors.” This is possible, he said, through setting smaller, more attainable goals that work towards a bigger objective. Some examples would be finishing homework to eventually earn a good report card or participating in informal class discussion twice a week now so that formal discussions like Socratic seminars don’t feel so daunting and out of the ordinary later.

A physical education teacher and coach, Roma has witnessed many students struggle with motivation.

“There’s been less of a desire for physical activity,” said Roma. “During gym time, more kids complete their homework and fewer kids play basketball and volleyball.”

Yet Roma acknowledges his own struggles with staying motivated in high school and college.

“In my freshman and sophomore years of college, I had several surgeries and injuries, so I couldn’t play sports,” said Roma. “It was very difficult to stay motivated and continue my education, but I focused on the bigger picture because I knew it would eventually lead to my goal of becoming a physical education teacher.”