For example, the kids living next door to us greet us first when they see us in the yard, saying, "Good morning." They're polite, well-mannered children.
Another example--a young man who (in May) graduated from one of my district's high schools, is now working in a local restaurant--as a pastry chef. As the owners were renovating (since January), he came by every week, looking for a job. They kept telling him no. On the day the restaurant opened, this kid showed up with his apron and his pastry chef tools, ready to work. (He was already a shining star of the high school home ec department.) They finally gave him a try, handed him their pie recipes, and from what the owners say, his apple crumb was prettier of than the owners, and out-of-this-world delicious.
One of my students this past year did something very selfless, and was a great friend in the process. Moved by what he did, I wrote a story about him (entitled "Help By the Bagful") and submitted it to the Chicken Soup: For Positive Kids I just got news today that the story about him had made it through the first round of editors. Although my friend Lisa Ricard Claro warns me to not count my chickens until they're hatched--she's known too many people who had their story booted out at the last minute--but if I have to, I'll just smash the eggs and chalk that up as one of my many rejections.
Speaking of eggs, the WWWPs are a bunch of good eggs. They helped me immensely with the story--if I had submitted it before I got it critiqued, it would not be under consideration right now.
What is your opinion of kids today?
Congratulations, Sioux!
ReplyDeleteMama Zen--But it takes me 1200 words to say something that doesn't even get close to what you do in 39.
DeleteAs you know, I've read it. Yours is a relevant, heartwarming story that's beautifully told. Congratulations, but I'm not at all surprised. And I agree about today's children. It's an increasingly challenging world out there, but they just rise to the challenges.
ReplyDeleteTammy--Thanks. And you're so right. They rise to the occasion, despite getting a bad rap...
DeleteCongrats on making it to the first round - fingers crossed that your story gets in the book! Maybe I'm partial, but I'm damn proud of my own kids who - at least in public! - are always polite and kind. They are proof that the next generation really can make a difference. ; )
ReplyDeleteBeth--Thank you.
DeleteHaving had the privilege of meeting your three kids, I wholeheartedly agree with you. They're wonderful young people.
I am out of touch with kids today. I spent so many years doing it all that suddenly I don't volunteer or do anything with students. I guess I rather burned myself up. I have been thinking though how I would like to tutor reading or even a writing session for youngsters. Will keep my fingers crossed for you on the CS deal, but glad you are a step closer anyway. Your writing group IS awesome!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--If you do something, choose something that would bring you lots of joy.
Delete(And thanks for the fingercrossing. I need all the help I can get.)
Congrats on your early inclusion! My opinion of kids today is that many of them are not developing adequate people skills. Their interpersonal relationships are lacking, because they would rather walk down the hall texting a friend at the other end than have a conversation with a friend walking the same way.
ReplyDeleteVal--Thanks.
DeleteYou are so so right. However, their little fingers are quite nimble.
Well, I have to say that kids aren't that different from us adults. Most of 'em are pretty good eggs. :-)
ReplyDelete(And good luck with the CS story! I'm getting a positive vibe about this book!) ;-)
Cathy--That's for sure. We sometimes pay too much attention to the few "rotten" ones.
Delete(And thank you.)
Congrats, Sioux! You are really on a Chicken Soup roll. (almost sounds like I'm describing a restaurant dish)
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--Thanks. Yeah, that dish DOES sound delicious. Maybe you should try creating it...the CS people might pay you a pile of money to get the rights to it.
Delete