Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nine Year Old Dreams-Nine Year Old Goals

One of my best buddies has honored me over the years in ways that I’ll never be able to repay. I’m not certain what I ever did to have friends as loyal. His oldest son is my godson. His next oldest son’s first name is my surname. Thank goodness that his third and final son is named for yet another one of his good friends.
 The middle boy, G., wrote this letter last October. He’s nine years old and to say that he’s focused is an understatement. He cries when they drag him home from the golf course. He realizes that academics go hand in hand with being on the golf team at a Division I school. He obviously realizes that Georgia Tech…for some reason he wants to play golf at Georgia Tech…is a strong Engineering school.

He wants to live in Pinehurst North Carolina and has surmised that he will have to work his way to greater levels of responsibility in the business world. G. assumes I suppose, that if you work hard and apply yourself that maybe you’ll be rewarded. And you can play golf every weekend…and “just be a flat out great golfer”.

He’s nine years old.

20 comments:

Main Line Sportsman said...

If he puts the same enthusiasm into engineering that he does for Golf....God knows what great contribution he could make...

Brian said...

This is the most positive news I have come across in years. It sounds that the next generation resembles an older group of adults who realize you have to work (long and hard) to get what you want. Unlike the current generation entering the workforce that wants it all now and shouldn't have to wait. Love this kid!

Unknown said...

you're killin' me with this kid-
it's like the mother's day cards I get from my girls- they blow me away with their insight and awareness at such a young age.
-adn

Summer is a Verb said...

If I were LFG I grab hold of those coat tails and hang on for dear life. That kid's going places...XXOO

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking LFG has her OWN letter and shouldn't be hanging on to a boys coat tails !

Anonymous said...

I'm sure LFG will have her OWN letter and not hang on to a boys coat tails...I'm just saying...

Bethany said...

What a lovely young man! It's always so refreshing to read about young people who are truly being "raised" by their parents, not simply "growing up." Alice from Summer is a Verb recommended your blog to me and I'm your newest follower.

Anonymous said...

I am a retired teacher. I taught the fourth grade for over thirty years. Fourth-graders are usually nine, going-on-ten as G. was this past October. It's a wonderful age. The students are, for the most part, eager to please and easy to motivate.

This post brought to mind a few former students like G. These youngsters are true treasures to work with in the classroom.

I'm sure you cherish your relationship with his family.

Laguna Beach Fogey said...

Chasing credentials.

Tucker said...

Good on him! When I was nine, the only things on my mind were baseball and my 5-speed Schwinn Stingray. I didn't have any such plans for my future; however, I did attend Georgia Tech and still work as an engineer. During my college years I played quite a bit of golf but wasn't quite good enough for the team. They were good then and are still one of the best in the country. I wish him (the next Bobby Jones, Larry Mize, Stewart Cink, David Duval, Matt Kuchar,...?) the very best.

Kathie Truitt said...

It will be fun to keep this and show it to him when he's a senior in high school. I would bet my savings ($1.75) that his golf goal won't change, but it would be interesting to see how he still feels about being an engineer. Keep us posted in 10 years.

Patsy said...

I'm very impressed with the penmanship. Very engineer-y, engineer-ish?

I have no memory of what I wanted to be at 9. Probably an only child.

ADG said...

MainLineMan...gonna be fun to watch his journey.

Brian...the summer after my dad died, I worked at the Toyota dealership...I was 15. I washed every car on the lot the first day there. You mean you can't get the same work out of your people today?

AllieVonGetLFGHitched...I'm a step ahead of you on that one baby!

39amber...these kids are amazing no?

Anon...LFG will be fine!

Bethany...thanks.

AnonTeacher...indeed, I've enjoyed all that LFG and I have done together during this, her 4th grade year.

LagunaTrad...aren't we all? To make the cred last though, one has to walk the talk.

Tucker...yes, GaTech was/is a golf powerhouse. Thanks for the comments.

Kathie...will do.

Patsy...me too. At nine I was pissed off about my baby brother who was en utero. Knocked me out of the baby role at my house.

Anonymous English Female said...

ADG - What a cool kid. What's his handicap already? I agree with Anon.9.32pm, LFG won't be needing to hang on to anyone's coat-tails.

Brian said...

ADG, It's a stretch. I do know though, I would hire this kid in a second to work for me. Even at 9 years old. On another, but recent blog topic...Bojangles is celebrating its first venture into S.C. after booming in Charlotte. They offered prices circa 1979 for the entire state. Including 12 pieces for $8.99 and sides at a mear 49 cents each. Now thats Max at a Minimus price.

Laguna Beach Fogey said...

No, we aren't. There are higher goals than hitting a small ball around the lawn and attending an establishment university. I would be concerned for this young chap's future. But then again, it's really none of my business at all.

Anonymous said...

What is your opinion of Ask Andy's Trad forum? Are they a bunch of fascists or what?

Anonymous English Female said...

Laguna Beach Trad - part of me agrees with you but it's one thing to eschew to those goals from the benefit of experience. To have them as aspirations is another; there are worse paths to follow, especially in today's world. The passion and sincerity in G.'s writing is admirable.

Cubanchem said...

It's refreshing to see a young person with actual drive and work ethic. I teach at the collegiate level and most kids (not all) just expect things to be handed to them. Maybe not all their fault, but still, it is a real issue. God forbid you ask them to work hard to earn their grade. Anyway, thanks for posting this note. Very enjoyable.

ADG said...

LagunaTradMon...worry not about this kid. He's in a very balanced environment and will be fine. I understand though, your reaction to the potential stereotype.

AnonEngFem...he's probably a four or five already.

Brian...Fried chicken is more of a threat to my longevity than liquor.

Anon..RE: Ask Andy...Honestly, I couldn't give you a fair assessment of that site. I've spent virtually no time there.

Cubanchem...Thanks and I agree, basic work ethic is lacking in younger generations.