There are few things in the world, and most parents would contest that nothing in the universe, is better than when your child looks up at you with pride. I was able to experience that this week when my son Tommy's teacher Mrs. Larson, from Joseph A. Edgar in Rocky Point, asked me to speak in front of the children about my career.
The class is learning about what it's like to get into college. From writing an admissions essay into their "Garden University" to designing and organizing their dorm rooms, the lessons were all about writing and how effective that tool will be as they move onto the next step in their education. This is impressive at any level, but it's even more impressive when you consider this is only a 5th grade class.
I came into the class with a plan to speak about my media career, the obstacles and benefits I have gotten being in the sports radio and newspaper world, but when I was preparing to speak to the class I realized how much I had in common with these young writers. Like them I had assignments, favorite topics to write about and a teacher, or in my case an editor, to look over my work.
When I was done speaking, I saw a smile and prideful look coming from Tommy at me, which is everything a father wants. But as I scanned the room what I saw was just amazing, and every teacher has seen that look. Engaged and eager to learn young faces with a slew of questions staring back at me. The questions that they asked were insightful and you could see the work the class has put into their writing and college preparation.
The winner of the writing contest, Kaitlyn, as well as Tommy stood in front of the room and read their applications. I can honestly say I had almost no critiques as they used phrases and words that I would expect from a senior in high school to write. The class was donned out in their college gear from Cornell to Texas, Virginia to UMass Lowell, Army to Florida State the class was not only knowledgeable about how to get into college but seemed already have their favorite colleges chosen.
That forward thinking was not surprising by the time I left the class. Speaking with the children afterwards and Mrs. Larson during the class you could see the clear path and thirst for learning each of them had. We then spoke about Ivy league colleges and I have never been so sure that the Ivy's will have a few of these bright minds learning in the classrooms in just a few short years, and the class as a whole will be making an impact on the world ... possibly, and hopefully, as writers who can lead us to a bright future.