Elwood Smith — College — 1983
We just got back from a 2 day college orientation for my daughter who leaves for university in August—which will break my heart. Daddys' and daughters' bonds don't come any tighter than ours.
But I have to say I was so impressed with the degree of compassion, competence and professionalism that the school displayed concerning the care of my daughter and her education. If my daughter HAS to be away somewhere, this university will be the best possible place under the circumstances.
I have so much respect (and envy) for educators and their academic world.
Best of luck to her. It's one of the most exciting times ever for a young person, going off to college.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr.
ReplyDeleteIt IS exciting--for her, for us. The opportunities are limitless.
"I have so much respect (and envy) for educators and their academic world."
ReplyDeleteThomas, my daughter's 15, now, but when she was about 3-4 and fully aware her older - by three years - brother was attending school and LEARNING, she made my lie on the floor with her and teach her to write letters and numbers, and give her some idea how they were supposed to be used.
As we lay there on our stomachs, her barking out her orders, me doing my best to carry them out, I suddenly had an epiphany.
She was to my left and as I looked across her I suddenly seemed to see this line receding into the infinite past of people who'd been willing to lie down on their literal and metaphorical stomachs to pass on what they knew to each new generation of children.
I burst into tears as I suddenly saw very clearly the only reason any civilization continues to exist is not thanks to the wealth makers, or the politicians, or the civil servants, or indeed any other category of human type, but solely thanks to those individuals who're willing to dedicate their own lives to transmitting to generation after generation the sort of knowledge they need to know if they're to avoid having to reinvent the wheel.
You, I suspect, will understand that experience more than most.
Indeed I do understand. Thank you for creating that lovely word sketch of your experience!
ReplyDeleteHi Thom,
ReplyDeleteMy best to your daughter. I'm glad you've found the right school. Borky, I also appreciate you sharing your thoughts and your beautiful memory. My son is 17 and he'll be going off to a university in another year.