Views from the Hot Seat...: Split Among Friends

Views from the Hot Seat...: Split Among Friends: I am 64, my limited hair is going in all directions because of the virus's limitations, and I am not sure how to envision my future lif...

Split Among Friends

I am 64, my limited hair is going in all directions because of the virus's limitations, and I am not sure how to envision my future life. 

As I am prone to do, I revert to my past to understand what is going on around me. For whatever reason, I find solace in remembering how I have confronted and solved past issues, what has shaped my thinking, and what lessons I have learned in the process. Today's Covid-19 is forcing me to confront many conflicting ideas about life, finances, and the pillars of our society. If you would, please come with me on my observations about where we are today.

Having been born in 1955, I have learned (thankfully) that my thinking has evolved since that time. As a child and a teenager, the globe was spinning, but I was primarily worried only about me--did not have great interest in much other than family, friends, sports, and reading. Certainly, I was aware of life's events because of the newspaper's influence, but politics carried no power for me. Arriving at college, however, awakened something dormant . . . an awareness of life beyond my nose. Today, though, I am acutely aware of such divisiveness within our society, allowing me to examine other comparable moments in my lifetime.

Sitting here today, I can think of five life-altering historical events that have provided significant splits in American attitudes. Certainly, others could have made my list, but these seem to be the "biggies," listed in chronological order.

1. The Civil Rights Movement: I became aware of the racial inequality in junior high school and later in high school when I read any "Black" literature Indian Valley South's and Gnadenhutten's libraries could offer. Novels like The Contender, Black Boy, and Native Son fueled my interest, but having no practical experience interacting with people of color prevented me from having first-hand knowledge of the issues. I was certainly aware of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s prominence, but it was not until Cassius Clay/Muhammed Ali took his stand against the country's military obligations that I began to notice a rising national issue. To best understand, readers must recognize that this time period held limited barriers to racial names--the "n" bomb was not prevalent but it was present, "colored" was a term that I later determined was derogatory, and other deflating labels were also common. When I would hear my dad use those words, I just assumed that they were acceptable. Thus, my mind was certainly shaped by the culture in which I was raised. In time, my views took a 180, primarily because I had to overcome much immaturity and I had exposure to races other than white people like me. That combination forced me to overcome any bias that I had carried. I like to think that today I am far beyond that limited thinking. My point is simple: The Civil Rights issue divided people in our country--we only need to look at the history books to understand that. Each of us has his or her own story to tell regarding those times, attitudes, and biases, but I feel comfortable in saying that the race issue that struck a chord in the '50s and '60s caused so much disruption in our society that even today its ugly head still rises to the surface. As a point, I remain convinced that many--definitely not all--resented that a black man was elected as our President. It may seldom be admitted, but I sense that belief remains slightly beneath the surface. 

2. The Vietnam Conflict: A touchy subject even today for so many reasons, but the reality is that this war clearly divided our country by age, race, political beliefs, and activist reactions. I have studied this conflict extensively, and, along with my students, have written oral histories of so many veterans who will always be held in my highest esteem. From my knowledge, I conclude that time period resulted in the best we could offer while also hitting us with our worst. I need not elaborate to a great extent, but if we examine the May 4, 1970, Kent State Shootings, for example, we get a vivid picture of our country's unrest. Torn between either defending our country whether dedicated to the war effort or not or fighting what many felt was an unjust war, young people were faced with a confusing dilemma. As time wore on, the war's power grew old, ultimately leading to our departure from Vietnam in a way untypical of American war history. That war--unlike the others that Americans had fought--gradually undermined our confidence and trust in our country's leaders . . .seems to me that long-ago war still creates the roots of our unrest today. 

3. Roe vs. Wade: This extremely divisive court decision distinctly drew lines for many between life and death, morality versus immorality, and religious views versus women's rights. Today's current Conservative movement appears to be hell-bent on altering this abortion decision, thus partially explaining the major push to seat conservative-thinking judges, particularly in the nation's Supreme Court. Continuing to hold heavy weight, this issue remains a dividing element in our society. My barber, for example, tells me that he is not a "true Trump guy," but he is convinced that  Republicans "oppose abortion," so that is why he sides with the President. I have heard it from others as well that "women should not have the right to determine what they do with their own bodies--our country must legislate abortion to be illegal." Please understand that this remains a much-discussed issue in the Democrat versus Republican perceptions. Again, this issue divided back then, and it still is now.

4. Donald Trump: Never have I seen such a polarizing figure sit in the President's office. His strategies for unifying have been met with much despair and opposition while at the same time fueling a sometimes feverish devotion to his personality and his positions. Reasons for both sides vary, of course, but we are living through a time that has definitely polarized us. Conversations regarding him can easily deteriorate into heated arguments, only reaffirming the old saying that "we should never discuss politics at the dinner table." Whether his approach has been effective will be determined in the short term by the November election and in the long term by the way history regards him. Today, we have opinions, but the future will determine his true impact, just as it has with any other President. No matter how we cut that Trump pie, the man has created sharply divided sides that have certainly disrupted our society's advancement.

5. Covid-19: Living history, as the saying goes, is where we are. Lines in the sand are being drawn as I write this: 

        "The governor is incompetent" OR "The governor has been such a leader"; 

        "Dr. Acton is an un-elected person, so she needs to shut up" OR "Dr. Acton has been so impartial to politics that it's refreshing." 

Got the picture? The split is alive and well--where it ends remains to be seen. I do chuckle sometimes because I remember reading a saying once that made such sense to me: 

          "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people"

I am afraid we are in such a quandry at the moment that we too frequently resort to attacking people first--perhaps that is a result of anger and frustration, but I strongly sense that our country's fragility is being exposed at this moment. We will see if this holds true.

A bit lengthy today, for sure, but I suggest that all five of these events hold much in common. All have led to splits, many of which are still simmering. Will we learn anything from where we are, or will our society take an abrupt turn into something none of us even want to envision?

A Little of This . . . and a Lotta That!

Monday afternoon, rainy, overcast, limited in activities . . . sound familiar? What I've found myself doing today is sitting in front of my computer, doing one of the activities I enjoy most: writing. Because I've caught up on a few miscellaneous projects, time is available to talk about what is on my mind today. Trust me, I didn't say what I know . . .just what is on my mind!

 

Lessons from The Covid

*As much as I despise--yet accept--the Covid-19's restrictions, I've further unveiled the gift of self-discovery, being reminded of how valuable interpersonal communication is to me. For those who know me, of course, I'm a talker. Being able to interact with others is--as I continue to recognize--a key to my happiness. Hearing stories makes me smile, and a variety of my friends can "spin a tale"--sometimes I even believe them! More often, however, I hear stories retold for the umpteenth time, yet I still laugh as heartily as I ever did. Seeing others smile, laugh, get ticked, agree, disagree is all part of the experience. Without those interactions, part of me is put on hold . . . would love to soon head to the Elks, the Tusky VFW, or Limby's and just listen to the talk!

 

*When I'm teaching students, my effectiveness suffers if I cannot look them in the eyes as I am trying to make my points. The teaching is still going on, but that face-to-face interaction is so difficult to replace. My teaching style is contingent upon constant interaction with my kids. Through the ever-present nonverbals, teachers can see understanding or lack thereof, frustration, anger, or whatever emotion surfaces--I miss that aspect. I'm fairly certain of this: If this mode of teaching persists into next fall, my teaching career will be at the end...don't like to say that, but this dog doesn't want to wade into those waters!

 

*Sports and its entertainment are quite crucial to my "balance." On a nightly basis, I typically would be watching an athletic activity, particularly this time of year. With basketball and baseball, specifically, on the shelf, I've been watching a bit too much television although I've discovered that binge watching makes me extremely lazy yet it makes for an enjoyable evening. After watching an episode of Cagney and Lacey during the first week of staying at home, I knew rock bottom was not far away, so I graduated to watching Tiger King and McMillions along with so many James Bond movies that I think I could be just like him . . . well, a nice thought anyway. Being the Tiger King, however, is way out of my wheelhouse!

 

*I'm glad I'm a reader because without that interest, my enthusiasm would be way down in the dumps. At our house, we subscribe to four weekly magazines and three monthly publications, so my interest is heightened when I pick up my daily mail. Additionally, I love books, but I stagger my reading with different genres so getting stale is not an option. Recently, I have read fiction (Delia Owens's Where the Crawdads Sing and Stephen Markley's Ohio--even Gnadenhutten is referenced!); history (Carlotta Walls LaNier's A Mighty Long Way--a story of the Little Rock 9 Civil Rights challenge); Politics (Tucker Carlson's Ship of Fools, Rick Wilson's Running Against the Devil, and Steven Hassan's The Cult of Trump); and Vietnam (Dave Lange's Virginity Lost in Vietnam). For many, of course, reading is not a desirable option; for me, it is my lifeline to understanding the world in which I live. Coupled with reading (and occasional skimming) of The Times-Reporter, The Canton Repository, and The Wall Street Journal (online), I like to think I'm fairly well informed. The truth is that I teach my students that "the sign of an intelligent person is one who views all sides of an issue before voicing an opinion"--I try to live that. I certainly have gone on record as saying that I'm not a Donald Trump fan--I did not say that I am opposed to pre-Trump Republican beliefs. However, my reading in-depth stories and reporting has convinced me that trusting Donald Trump is not part of my character . . .and I used to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I cannot do it anymore. I stress again why: I have read, observed, and listened to many sides of these political debates and many sides of Mr. Trump's character . . .just cannot do it   . . . to me, the dude is a huckster.

 

*My happy place is really simple: If I'm in my garage cleaning a vehicle or outside mowing grass, a good chance exists that I'm having a great day. For me, those activities are mindless, allowing me to concentrate on the task at hand yet let my mind wander to whatever place it wants to go. I love the satisfaction of beginning with one condition (dirty car or unkempt grass) and seeing it come out a finished product. Similar to a construction worker, I would think, where the builder begins with a piece of ground but at the end has created a permanent structure--have to believe that is one of the more rewarding professions out there!

 

*My emphasis on physical fitness has been put to the test in these past few weeks. Living by a routine is so much a part of my life. If I don't get busy working out on my basement equipment or running early in the morning, I'll find myself  looking for the chips, the peeps, the Chips Ahoy, or the Skinny Pops, and, as a result,  ol' Too Ton Tony will be emerging from his winter solace when this whole pandemic deal allows more freedom. I know I like to work out, but I also know that I like to eat even more . . . it's a delicate balance (as if I'm delivering breaking news)!

 

*Most of all, what I have learned is--even though it's a cliché--we need each other. Whether it be family, friends, or just acquaintances, a rhythm exists to our lives that cannot be displaced. We thrive on others' personalities even if it's someone we don't necessarily care for, someone we think the world of, or someone who falls in between--that is the human experience. That, my friends, is what I miss . . . and I need it . . . come on, God, please help free us. I have to think we will come out of this with a different perspective  . . . just hope we can sustain it beyond a month!

 

*Oh, one other lesson I've discovered about me: I really do miss having a certain female cocker spaniel around here!

Views from the Hot Seat...: Basketball: Loves & Bugs

Views from the Hot Seat...: Basketball: Loves & Bugs: The smell of the gym . . .the bounce, bounce, bounce of the ball . . .the soft sound of the swishing net . . .the cheering of the raucous c...

Basketball: Loves & Bugs

The smell of the gym . . .the bounce, bounce, bounce of the ball . . .the soft sound of the swishing net . . .the cheering of the raucous crowd . . . the drowning sound of the buzzer . . .the piercing referees' whistles . . .the crowd's second-guessing . . .the comparisons of yesterday's stars to today's heroes . . .the memories of so many games past . . .ah, what a life I have shared!

It's basketball season! As this one gradually grinds to a halt, I find myself recognizing just how much I love the game, the atmosphere, and the theatrics that make it my sport of choice. Having been involved with it for as long as I can even remember, that round ball is part of me . . .and I am so thankful for it. With each passing year, though, the game changes bit by bit, sometimes positively  but sometimes negatively. The view from my seat exposes what I love and what bugs me about today's high school, college, and professional games!

Loves

In addition to the opening paragraph, I thoroughly enjoy the coaching strategies on display throughout games. Defensive shifts, offensive sets, adjustments during time outs and half times, immediate plays after time outs, clock management, substitution patterns . . . all contribute to the thinking that influence games' outcomes. Of course, coaches try to be as unpredictable as possible, but so much of what they can do is reliant upon their players' basketball intellect. If the players are a bit limited in their understanding of in-game shifts, coaches are handcuffed and are left with limited options. What really impresses is when a team is comprised of high academically achieving kids--they tend to be much more receptive to adjustments that benefit the team, not necessarily the individual.

Hearing people bickering in the stands is something I welcome. Listening carefully, I can pretty much always hear the following yells: "Call 'em both ways!"  "Get 'em off of him!" "Over the back!" "Three seconds!" "Refs must be from [their school]!" "How can they miss that?" "Our coach doesn't know what the hell he's doing!" You get the drift? Fans are fans no matter where they come from. I strongly suspect none of them has ever donned the whistle or coached in a pressure game and truly seen how difficult it is to call or coach a game . . . but that's the beauty of it, I guess.

Watching the competitiveness of athletes never gets old. The give-and-take, back-and-forth  with crowds reacting to the action only heightens the crowd's enthusiasm. As games tighten and time heads toward expiration, the roaring of the crowds brings high school games toward an emotional climax that leaves all involved physically drained at the conclusion . . .who has not felt that exhilarating sensation? The old adage of "thrill of victory and agony of defeat" lives on . . ., but I think we can agree that the "thrill" sure as hell beats the agony!

Bugs

The Euromove--I remain unconvinced it is not a travel.

Today's game allows players to put their heads down and steamroll toward the basket, forcing the referees to dictate whether to call a foul or ignore it. The pressure has intensified for the officials because getting all the way to the basket is the primary thinking of many kids today--I have to think it has arisen because of the example setting from the NBA game.

"Palming the Ball"--it seems as if it is an accepted and overlooked way to dribble the ball.

The elbow jump shot seems to be more of an afterthought, directly related to the steamrolling drive. On rare occasions, I still see it, but I am convinced that the 15'-17' jump shot has fallen victim to the aforementioned drive and the beautiful allure of the 3-point shot . . . a slowly dying fundamental beauty of the game.

The "leave my feet and hope somebody is open so I can make a pass" offense--seems like the jump stop fundamental has ridden itself to the grave.

At the risk of sounding like an ol' codger chomping on about how "it was better in my day," I will cease with my "bugs." To stay current, we have to adapt to the new game . . . , but I didn't say I liked it.

Experiments

I thoroughly enjoy attending the Canton Charge games, and I would encourage anyone who likes basketball to attend a few games (although I just was informed that crowds are soon to be banned from Ohio sporting events because of the dreaded Coronavirus). Yes, if one is geared toward the walk-it-up pace of various high school games or wants a foul every time two players touch, then this league is not an attractive option. I occasionally get asked if those teams are any good, and my response is "Hell yes, they're good--players are one step above Division I and one step below the NBA." They put on a great show with outstanding talent--it's worth a few looks. I mention the Charge for a central reason: the G-League (of which they are a part) experiments with rules/alterations that the NBA is testing to see if they should implement at their level. This year's main tinker is with foul shots; in an attempt to speed the game somewhat, all foul shots until the last two minutes and overtime follow this format: one foul shot is taken: if it is a one-shot foul, the result is one point; if it is two-shot foul, the shooter takes one shot that counts as two points; likewise, if it is a three-shot foul, the shooter takes one shot that counts as three points. If the foul shot is missed, no points are awarded. After watching it for one season thus far, I really like this option. Traditionalists may challenge it, but the pressure is certainly on to make the shot!

That is enough for today...the long winter has dried me up a bit as for my writing. Many topics remain to be explored, but, at this moment, I have chosen to stay removed from the polarizing state of politics and other related issues that seem to represent at times the sorry state of our human minds.Thus, I have ventured into waters that make me happy . . . basketball is my elixir!

It's Time for the Sun!

I have hit the exhaustion point.

 

With the negativity surrounding this fall season, I find it easy to get bogged down and see the world through a dirty window rather than the clearness I typically experience. The never-ending Donald Trump nonsense, the naysayers who continuously berate area school systems, the currently beleaguered Cleveland Browns, . . . , I have hit the point where I am declaring "enough" . . . it's time to focus on positives that put smiles on my face rather than succumbing to the anger, disappointment, frustration, and hatred that I see encompassing so many of us.

 

To accomplish that, I am highlighting people of character--strong character, that is. My life has been influenced quite often by people who represent what I consider to be goodness. Seldom, however, do I spend much time thanking them face-to-face, but today I am zeroing in on a few who have made my world a much happier place merely by their role modeling without their even knowing it!

 

Dr. Paul McFadden has morphed into a dear friend, one I greatly admire for many reasons. Chief among those reasons is that I have never heard him speak negatively about anyone, regardless of whether we agree or disagree. A man of faith and impeccable wholesomeness, Paul devoted his professional life to being a medical doctor, one who treasured the interactions with his patients, who would repeatedly interrupt his personal life to address the medical needs of those who contacted him, and who to this day is never judgmental about others. You see, Paul is an old-school guy, one who values honesty and integrity. A product of an old-school Newcomerstown family, he and his siblings grew up having to work fulfilling the obligations that went with a working class family. Doing chores was second nature to him because that is what his parents expected; that work ethic shaped his life and his career allowing him to be a well-respected doctor but, more importantly, a well-respected man. When I see Paul these days, he makes me smile because I know he is going to tell me something funny or he is going to make an observation I had missed. Bottom line is simple: He has been such a role model not only because of the family he and his wife Linda have nurtured but because he is a humble man who proudly represents positivity and class. I know of no greater compliment to offer this fine man.

 

Mr. Jim Heller is a retired teacher and coach who served in many schools, most notably in Dover. A man's man in many ways, Jim makes sure when he encounters people that the focus is on the other individual, not him. As a man with a quick wit, he is unique, but his knowledge and interests are vast perhaps stemming from his lifelong passion for reading. The contributions he has made and continues to make only further cement my respect for him. In addition to his teaching, he was a long-time track coach and athletic director leaving his mark in many ways, but these days he is intent on honoring those people who have made a significant impact on the Dover High School athletic scene by--in conjunction with others--advancing the school's Hall of Fame. His role--exactly the way that he wants it--is truly "behind the scenes," but without his passion for preserving the past athletic accomplishments of our community, this Hall of Fame dies a slow death. Truly a man of faith, he and his wife Diane are such important figures who have always reflected positivity and can-do attitudes, as shown by Jim's devotion to being physically fit at age 80! When I visit with them, smiles prevail because they understand that the happiness in life needs to be shared. To me, both Jim and his wife have been role models for such a long time--positivity is contagious, and so is character. In short, they are in my Hall of Fame simply because of who they are and how they have lived their lives. What could be a more important legacy than that?

 

Mr. Jay Huston is as quiet and humble man as anyone would ever meet, but to me he is a testament as to how to overcome adversity and live a happy, joyous life centering on placing family first and himself last. To those who know Jay, they clearly understand my description, but for those who do not, Jay remains a mystery, so I must explain his story. Growing up in Port Washington in a family of four boys and caring, loving blue-collar parents, he was a typical small town kid: excelled in four sports as well as academics, involved in school activities, and married his hometown girlfriend, my sister, who shared the same criteria as Jay. Upon high school graduation, he enrolled at Marietta College where he graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering, launching a successful career in that field. As he was ascending the petroleum ladder, however, his life took an abrupt turn: His wife, Carol, was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer, and from that point his life was never his again. Fighting a fourteen-month battle, Carol passed, and Jay, who had pretty much forfeited his career to take care of her, faced life with two small children in a market where the oil and gas industry was facing a downturn. Working several jobs that he knew he was not tailored for, he trudged forward until meeting a woman who ultimately would become his second wife . . . and what a jewel she is to this day. They eventually had another child, making their family complete, but Jay never again dove into the petroleum industry, instead focusing on a career in the steel mills. That's his story, but here is the real story of what makes Jay such an outstanding man, a role model I will love forever. The man never complained--he accepted his "lot in life," always moving forward, often working seventy-hour weeks to keep his family going. Surrounded by a loving family, his only "me time" was when he was able to go to the Tuscarawas River and fish with his best friend and cousin, Mike McCune. Unfortunately, Mike later died in a job-related accident, essentially depriving Jay of a treasured relationship. I am not writing this to say "Ah, poor Jay"--nothing like that whatsoever. No, this tribute is about his character, his perseverance, and his acceptance of what life deals him. Yes, he has experienced heartbreak, but in his mind, those negatives have only served to make him stronger. To this day, his most valued treasure is his family--children, in-laws, and grandkids. I say it again: I have never heard the man complain. He is a beacon of optimism, a guy whose charming smile makes me realize that when strong character dominates, life is truly grand. For me, his role modeling is contagious--I think the world of him because I know he is genuine, honest, and so grounded . . . my kind of man.

 

How else can I say it? People of character are often overlooked because they may blend in with everyday society rather than toot their own horns. Among us all are those who have made impacts, who have influenced us in ways we never realize until we begin to reflect. The individuals mentioned above fit the profile I admire in others; on days when I may find myself thinking a little too much about my needs and wants, I bring myself down to earth by thinking of my friends whom I consider to be much better than I. Their friendship is valued, but, most certainly, my hope is that we pause, get off the negativity that surrounds us, and truly appreciate what we have right here, right now, in our lives. Maybe that can put a smile on your faces as well as mine, reinforcing the old adage that sunshine is the best disinfectant!

Teaching College Freshman English . . .

"My kid has been accepted into college! I'm so happy!"

 

 . . .and you should be. Your child has begun a journey that is in many ways a reward, yet it is also one that can prove to be exciting, challenging, lonely, and, certainly, financially burdensome. My task today is to offer insight into what I see as a freshman English teacher at the university level to perhaps assist current high school students and parents as they head down this road.

 

After several dormant months of recharging the writing side of my brain, I am ready to "hit the ground running." When writing, of course, the writer must be knowledgeable, credible, and trustworthy. I never know if my reading audience could check all three of those boxes about me, but I am confident enough to throw my thoughts out there and, at the least, stir a few reactions, positive or negative. As I begin my seventh year of teaching college English, I have made many observations that have correlated with my thirty-five years of teaching high school English. To make my points most effectively, I have bulleted each section:

 

*Hoping I am not dampening too many spirits here, but I must begin with a downer: Getting accepted at a college/university is really not that difficult (with the exception of the so-called "prestigious" ones). Universities are in a competing numbers game; so many are trying to sell their programs while hoping to attract students. To keep the doors open and to maintain quality doctorate-prepared professors require student numbers. If those numbers fall short of expectations, consequences result such as elimination of programs (note: The University of Akron), release of professors, and decreased building of updated structures. In short, that is simple math: Keep the numbers up and the university thrives. If numbers drop, heads roll. To prevent the negativity, higher education schools are often willing to accept those students who academically may not be academically prepared (thus the high number of remedial classes offered to incoming freshmen because of numerous academic deficiencies). No, getting accepted to a university is not a major hurdle.

 

*The problem stemming from my previous point is this: Retention of students beyond the first year. Rearing its ugly head, students' lack of preparation places so many schools in a financial and academic quagmire. As stated, kids can get in to a university, but can they stay? As parents, we like to believe that we are talking about the "other" kids, certainly not ours. Unfortunately, often those "other" kids are our own. So many find that when they begin college, the maturity, the studying habits, the preparation, and the desire are lacking. As that slippery slope unravels, students frequently find at year's end that they have pretty much wasted a whole lot of time and money. Obviously, a disclaimer has to be inserted at this point: I am not referring to all students, by any means. However, I am referring to a common problem universities are facing: How do they get kids to recognize the seriousness of that freshmen year? National averages--including all universities--seem to indicate that approximately 75% of the first-year students come back for round two. On one hand, that number sounds about right. It is a "C" average in the academic classroom, so if 3 out of 4 kids make it back, that is impressive . . .unless you are the parent paying for the 1 who did not make it and now face paying an imposing loan of approximately $25,000 for one year with nothing to show for it except the debt!

 

*Given my two previous points, allow me to delve into what I frequently see in my freshman English writing classes, which I strongly suspect is not limited to only my classes. I am quite fortunate to have taught several motivated students who are outstanding writers before they ever enter my classroom. My contribution to their learning is usually finetuning their final products. They are mature, serious students who clearly are well read, well taught, and well nurtured in how to present their thoughts.

 

A second group is those who are not nearly as motivated or as prepared. Unfortunately, many of them have a lower threshold work ethic that limits their wanting to improve. I can deal with those kids quite easily because most of them are our typical kids who lack motivation for reading and writing. Indeed, their motivation may be sports, the hot girl/guy seated in front of them,  or just the desire to get a grade and get out of there--nothing unusual about that. The problem, though, is that quite often these kids' preparation is lacking. So many had enrolled in non-college preparatory English classes (as they have told me, "because I didn't want to take anything hard in high school"). Believe it or not, I encounter many students who have never written a research paper, have done limited reading, and have written so few papers that it is obvious that their high school background as well as their choices have not prepared them for the challenges they encounter. As the dated Midas Muffler marketing jingle expressed, "Pay me now or pay me later!" Later has a price tag. 

 

A third group consists of those kids who are there merely to play sports; yes, a large number envision themselves playing pro ball even though statistically the odds are stacked against that probability. In simple terms, these athletes are not overly concerned about being students. Many of them have been coddled in high school; I must admit I have been overly shocked by that. As an example, one student told me he had gotten "B's" in English throughout his high school years. I could quickly see that was a farce. When I asked him privately how that had happened, his response was that "I played football--they took care of me!" While I would like to think that is the exception, in this case, I think it was true. Of course, I am not implying that all athletes are ineffective students; no, I am saying that many enroll in school with sports being their only focus--that is a serious problem with serious financial implications!

 

Summarizing these three paragraphs is simple: If a kid is prepared academically, his college experience will likely be quite positive; if the kid is not prepared, the experience could be quite negative. 

 

*Advice to Students:

*Read, Think, and Write. To repeat: Read, Think, and Write.  

*Take challenging English classes in high school; if in a noncollege track but planning to attend higher education, switch to the college-prep track, one where a challenge is presented but is not overwhelming or self defeating.       

*Read the newspaper.

 *Read columnists' writing to stimulate thinking enough to formulate your own argument (so many kids have limited knowledge of state/national/world affairs . . . as a result, many have little if any opinions!).

*Read something enjoyable to you so that it does not feel like you have to do it (I began my love of reading via Sports Illustrated!).

*Recognize that you are preparing for what lies ahead--learn the grammatical basics and how to apply those basics to effective writing.

*Know topics well enough to be able to accept or challenge others' opinions--never forget that the sign of an intelligent person is one who views all sides of an issue before voicing an opinion.

 

Advice to Parents:

*Ditto to most of the above but add this: Monitor your students' English classes to ensure they are reading and writing on an ongoing basis. I am not suggesting being a helicopter or snowplow parent, but if you truly want your kids to succeed in their college experience, you need to know what preparation is being done AND that your offsprings are not simply "blowin' off" tasks they do not want to do.

 

 Bottom line, my friends, from my perspective, a large percentage of college freshmen are ill-prepared for the challenge they face in introductory mandatory  English classes. I pinpoint the reason to lack of preparation in meeting an academic challenge requiring reading, thinking, and writing. Yes, in most all cases, this can be prevented, but it requires a concerted, focused high school effort.

 

Think I'm exaggerating? If so, I'm just hoping your kid is not one of those who doesn't return for year 2 because of poor academic performance.

 

Just asking for a friend, who's paying back that $25,000?