Learning With Intention

We all know we come to school to learn; however, learning isn’t just about gathering facts or completing assignments—it’s about applying knowledge to make a difference, influence how people think, and sometimes even send out a ripple of change that could transform the world.

One powerful example of comes from the work of Princess Diana in the early 1990s. At that time, the HIV/AIDS epidemic was at its peak. Misinformation spread faster than the truth, and people with the disease were often met with fear, isolation, and cruelty. As a member of the British Royal Family, Princess Diana could have chosen to stay distant, but instead, she learned intentionally. She studied the science, listened to experts, and discovered what was true: that HIV could not be spread through casual contact.

Then, she did something extraordinary. She visited hospitals, aware of what science advised, and sat with patients, holding their hands without gloves and embracing them. The world watched as a princess, someone admired by millions, reached out with compassion and bravery. Those photographs of her shaking hands with patients challenged stereotypes, dispelled fear, and offered hope to people who felt invisible. Many believe this marked a turning point in how HIV/AIDS patients were seen and treated. Diana deliberately and intentionally created a plan to change minds. 

What does this teach us? Learning with intention involves more than just memorizing facts. It means choosing to understand deeply, asking questions, and applying that knowledge to make a difference. Princess Diana didn’t just learn about AIDS for herself—she learned so she could help the world see more clearly and with greater kindness.

As students, you might not be standing in front of cameras like Diana, but you have daily opportunities to learn intentionally. When you focus in science, you’re preparing to address real-world problems like climate change or public health. When you read in English class, you’re practicing empathy—seeing the world through someone else’s perspective. When you collaborate in math, art, or history, you’re building skills to work with others and create something greater than yourself.

So, I challenge you — don’t just learn to pass the test. Learn because you want to make an impact. Learn because your voice, your choices, and your actions can change the story for others.

Princess Diana once said, “Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life — a kind of destiny.” She showed us that intentional learning can break down walls of fear and build bridges of understanding. Imagine what could happen if each of you brought that same intentionality to your learning every single day. I can’t wait to see what you all accomplish this year.