Class of 2019!
As some of you know, I recently joined the ranks of parents of a high school graduate. This has been a time that I can only describe as surreal. Anyone who is a parent knows of the highs and lows of raising a child, but the all-too-soon reality of how fleeting it all is comes only when you see them walk across a stage in a cap and gown.
I could probably write a book about the bittersweet feelings of love, fear, and pride that somehow combine at this point in time, but not all of you are parents-and those of you who are probably have a pretty good idea, and don't need my tearful pleas to cherish every moment.
No, this brought me back to my own high school graduation. As most teens are, I was focused on my own (budding) adulthood and what my future held. I was ready for the big, wide world. At that point in time, there was only possibility. In some ways, I've never lost that sense of looking ahead to the next moment of something big.
Nowadays, in my spare time, I love volunteering with the schools that my children attend. Right now, those are middle and high school. Here in Cedar Rapids, we are a fortunate community to have a solid school district with dedicated staff, fresh ideas, and equally productive academic curriculum and extracurricular activities. While in their elementary school days, I did more with classroom academics, I now focus more on their involvement in the "fun" activities.
I've noticed a change since my time in school. I see kids aware of more than my generation ever was. I see students who not only want to change the world, but are already putting plans in motion. I see young people understanding authenticity of character, and the value of hard work. These are traits that will put our world in a new direction. There will always be pitfalls and dangers and downsides to each new innovation in our world, but let's focus on what can be the driving force to truly make a difference-the ability for as many people as possible to realize their value and their rightful place in this life.
I'm a firm believer in starting small-a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple smile can have a ripple effect. It goes beyond our community and out into the world. Have goals, be ambitious, and educate yourself. But don't let your furthering intellectual and worldly knowledge bring you away from human connection and compassion. You may not directly change the world. However, you might change the life of the one who does.
I could probably write a book about the bittersweet feelings of love, fear, and pride that somehow combine at this point in time, but not all of you are parents-and those of you who are probably have a pretty good idea, and don't need my tearful pleas to cherish every moment.
No, this brought me back to my own high school graduation. As most teens are, I was focused on my own (budding) adulthood and what my future held. I was ready for the big, wide world. At that point in time, there was only possibility. In some ways, I've never lost that sense of looking ahead to the next moment of something big.
Nowadays, in my spare time, I love volunteering with the schools that my children attend. Right now, those are middle and high school. Here in Cedar Rapids, we are a fortunate community to have a solid school district with dedicated staff, fresh ideas, and equally productive academic curriculum and extracurricular activities. While in their elementary school days, I did more with classroom academics, I now focus more on their involvement in the "fun" activities.
I've noticed a change since my time in school. I see kids aware of more than my generation ever was. I see students who not only want to change the world, but are already putting plans in motion. I see young people understanding authenticity of character, and the value of hard work. These are traits that will put our world in a new direction. There will always be pitfalls and dangers and downsides to each new innovation in our world, but let's focus on what can be the driving force to truly make a difference-the ability for as many people as possible to realize their value and their rightful place in this life.
I'm a firm believer in starting small-a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple smile can have a ripple effect. It goes beyond our community and out into the world. Have goals, be ambitious, and educate yourself. But don't let your furthering intellectual and worldly knowledge bring you away from human connection and compassion. You may not directly change the world. However, you might change the life of the one who does.
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