Life as a student - so far.

I finally decided to do some time management. After plotting my remaining class assignments on a calendar, I ended up with a really packed schedule.  Essays, research papers, keystone assignments and tests will certainly keep me busy for the next seven weeks.  So far, I'm happy with my work and test scores but I have to get more efficient.  I didn't expect the transition to being a student again was going to be a breeze but I want to be able to get things done faster.  After all, I plan to add a fourth course next semester and will take on more household duties at the same time.

I've been enjoying much of my education coursework.  I'm learning a lot that will help me be a good teacher.  I could care less about my undergraduate Math course however since I just need to pass it to fulfill state requirements for liberal arts credits.  Despite that, I studied hard for my first two tests and aced them. I can't help myself!

Over the next few weeks, I need to do thirty hours of classroom observation resulting in ten pages of my best prose.  I started yesterday with three hours in a fourth grade classroom and you shouldn't be surprised that I loved it.  I made new connections, learned from an experienced teacher, met new students, observed morning routines, graded tests and picked up some nifty tips.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time and look forward to next week when I return for more, start observations in a kindergarten class and teach a Junior Achievement lesson to my son's third grade class.

As I speak to teachers, I learn more and more about the challenges they face today with the increased testing requirements and new curriculum standards.  Yes, most teachers get a nice summer break, but their workdays extend way beyond 9am to 3pm, five days a week.  Well, at least for those who care about being an effective teacher.  If I wasn't so passionate about making a positive impact to my future young students, I would reconsider my career choice.

So, my eye is on the prize and I can't wait to get there.  In the meantime, I will relearn how to be a good student, gain experience and learn, learn and learn some more.  Oh, and spend time in classrooms!

Dear Me at age 21

Dear Me at age 21 in May 1989,

There's so much I want to tell you about the next 24 years of our life!

Congratulations on graduating NYU with your degree in Marketing and Management.  Remember that idea you had about marketing cereal as a snack food?  It was a good one but it really never did take off.  And, that group project to build a bowling center in Queens to capitalize on all those planned office towers?  Well, the Citicorp Tower will be the only one there for many years so good call to drop that idea.
 
After working at the same firm throughout college, you're probably sad to leave your bosses and friend.  Have no worries.  You'll see your friend get married in Puerto Rico, they'll all celebrate your own wedding and you will all stay in touch.  Yes, I mentioned wedding...  more on that later.
 
Enjoy your upcoming career at A&S.  You'll love the work, make a good friend but work really, really long hours.  It won't be long before realizing you don't want this retail life after missing your niece's fifth birthday party.

Soon, you will face tough times.  Just know that you will become closer to him after he passes and that he will bless you with much good fortune in the future.

Believe it or not, after being in school for 16 years, you will go back for two more for an MBA.  This will open the door to Brooklyn Union Gas (again) where you'll enjoy a long and very fulfilling career.  You'll learn to love speaking in front of an audience and even present to hundreds of important people.  No, I'm not kidding.

You'll mature, gain confidence, learn to play golf, climb the corporate ladder until it didn't fit your priorities and even travel for business.  Don't be too puzzled - the company does not stay local for long. You'll even host thousands at Shea Stadium to watch your favorite sports team.  Sadly, those Mets will not win the World Series for a long time.  (Even more sadly, your idol, Dan Marino, never makes it to another Super Bowl.)  But, the best thing about this career is that you will make some really great friends.

Early on, you'll make an instant connection with a guy who will become your best man at that wedding I mentioned. You'll enjoy working with many other wonderful people who will remain in your life for many years to come.  Treat these relationships well, young man, for they will bud into some really beautiful friendships.

You'll buy a house near Disney World which won't make you rich but you won't regret the experience.  But, if you can, change our history and buy a lot of stock in Apple Computers. Don't sell it until something called the "iPad" is introduced - trust me on this one!

You'll have a total of eleven nieces and nephews.  Those young kids will grow fast - really fast.  Cherish their youth and be the best Uncle Henry you can be.  You'll truly appreciate it.

Mom will continue having some rough moments including spending two months in a hospital.  As you care for Mom, have patience for you will grow so much closer to her.  Be sure to learn as much as you can from her and about her.  She will be the greatest teacher you'll ever have.

You want to know about this wedding, right?  Fate will bring a very familiar face back to your life and you two will hit it off as if you never parted ways twelve years earlier.  You'll have a memorable and fun wedding celebration, buy a house in the suburbs (near two siblings) and have two amazing children who will bring you immense joy.  Sounds like a dream?  Nope.  It's true, my younger self.

You'll eventually retire from the corporate life to pursue your passions.  You don't know what those passions are yet but you will.  And, you'll also know when it's the right time to be courageous enough to go after them.  Shockingly, you will go back to school (in more ways than one!)

So, while this letter gives you a glimpse of what's ahead, be sure to enjoy the ride because it's a good one.  Stay true to yourself, keep a good head on your shoulder (minus the permed hair), and listen to Mom.  I know you and her will be proud of what you'll become.

-- Me (a.k.a. You) at age 45

P.S.  You're still a KISS fan and, yes, they are still around.