By Forrest Preece
I thought that it would be interesting to ask a friend about the back-to-school process he and his wife are going through with their daughters. Here is what he told me a few weeks ago.
Eli Haslanger
High tech executive and professional musician
We've got two teenage girls who are 16 and 18. Our oldest is about to embark on her freshman year at college so her back-to-school looks much different for her this year. We are busy buying dorm room necessities as well as picking out meal plans and buying parking permits. Our oldest is "flying the coop" so that brings a whole new set of emotions for her and for mom and dad. She'll be rushing a sorority and settling into her new schedule which she recently picked out with her new academic advisor. She proudly exclaimed "it's the schedule I've always wanted! I only go to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays!" She's a bit nervous and very excited and for the first time in a few years, she's been wanting to hang around the house and her parents a little more. She's saying strange things like "I'm so glad to have y'all as parents" and "I feel lucky to have this opportunity." LOL.
Our little girl is growing up. Our younger daughter will be a junior at Austin High and she's currently working as a lifeguard at the City of Austin public pools. She typically sleeps in and spends a LOT of time with her friends when she's not looking out over kids at the pool. She likes to play guitar and piano and was into competitive cheer until a recent growth spurt made that sport a bit more challenging to enjoy. For back-to-school supplies, it's mostly clothes and shoes, a new backpack and then a few folders and pens/pencils. Highschoolers do everything on their computer these days.
Amy and I have always tried to instill the Golden Rule into our girls' hearts and minds. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We also place a premium on effort and showing up to do the work. Grades are important but secondary to the effort. Lastly, everyone gets knocked down. It's the getting back up that counts.
