Graduation, a Great Time of Reflection
By Bobby Wallinger
It’s hard to believe there was even one child in a classroom the weeks of May 2nd through May 17th. And if you think this sounds like a zany comment it is only because I I spent that time period in the Capitol of our nation, Washington, D.C. where I was positively engulfed by kids from ten to 18-years all visiting the place, “where it all happens”.
No kidding. At a time when gas prices are keeping adults closer
to home, literally thousands of youngsters made their way to the
Capitol. It was thrilling. The children were terrific. All decked
out in shirts indicating the schools and organizations that had
sponsored the trips, there was a veritable sea of color with slogans
like, “Go Tigers”, “Philly Bears are Best”, West Bend Indiana,
“Tennessee Titans” and the list goes on and on.
Well meaning chaperones, some with looking worse for wear, others as
joyful and energetic as the kids they were escorting, all seeing
first hand the very place where our elected officials conduct the
business of our land.
Parents, teachers, school administrators, they came, they saw, they
conquered the long lines in bus stations, train stations, private
vans and, yes, some arrived by air. But the singular thing each
shared in common was the awe and wonder of actually being, “Here in
Washington, D.C.”
“ Hey, look at that”, “take my picture”, “Was that President Obama?”, the last statement made as a motorcade passed by. And, no, it was not President Obama, but for most of the kids, seeing a line of limos was something they had not encountered before and regardless of who the occupants may have been, the kids were thrilled to see it pass.
For some of the children, the older ones, graduation and plans
for their future education are just a few weeks away. For the
younger set, it was clear in hearing their conversations that higher
goals were being set. “I’d like to be a Senator”, explained one
young lady probably no more than twelve or thirteen years old.”
“Not me”, replied her companion an older teen but still in the under
sixteen range. “I want to be the first woman President”.
It took my breath away to observe the confidence and good manners of the hundreds of young people in our immediate surrounding. They were wonderful and watching them was an inspiration as to the quality of those who will, all too soon, be taking over the responsibility of our nation.
Now, I don’t know if I had realized there would be so many children on field trips the particular weeks my travel buddy and I decided to tour, if I would have gone ahead with the plan. But I am SO glad it turned out that way. My friend and I marveled at the courtesy and interest displayed by the majority of the kids. The dedication of the staff and chaperones was just as inspirational. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to view from the sidelines, and frankly, as one who has escorted many a student on many a “field trip”, it was great not to have to continuously do a “head-count”.
But from our perspective, as we graduate from roles of leadership to a more relaxed way of life, it’s great to know we’re in good hands. The baton will continue to be passed and it is going to be O.K.
I have great faith in our young people and thousands of kids change the side of their tassels on mortar boards across this great nation, I wish them well. Graduation is a time of reflection and a time to look toward the future.
As my granddaughter, Katie, joins the group of graduates this week, I shall be sitting in the stands, cheering her on and knowing she will make a difference.
Happy graduation to all our grads!