Back To School

Exactly 34 years ago today you would have found me on the eighth floor of Onondaga Hall at SUNY Oswego staring out at a spectacular view. I took a job as an R.A., short for “resident assistant”, for two reasons; free room and board and I got to pick my own room. In my case the dorm faced beautiful Lake Ontario and I was able to get a room on a high floor with a view clear to Canada. Although if we’re being honest it was a bit like Sarah Palin seeing Russia from her porch, you know it was over there but couldn’t actually see it.

I remembered thinking back then that unless I hit the lottery for millions of dollars I would never have a view that good again in my life and it turns out I was right.

I was thinking about my college days recently as our children go back to school. An event usually signified by Staples running that hilarious TV commercial where a parent dances though the aisle while the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” blares over the store speakers. They don’t seem to run that commercial anymore. Probably isn’t politically correct I suppose since it has some fun at the expense of the kids.

Anyway, for me there is always a feeling of renewal this time of the year as we turn off the lights on summer and welcome the fall. Call me weird but I was one of those kids who actually looked forward to going back to school each September. Finding out which kids were in which classes with you, Friday night football and all the rest of it.

I’m glad I was born when I was though because I think kids have it much tougher now. I think the curriculum is harder, the pressures of social media and bullying and of course the fear that something horrible might happen at your school. We’ve had far too many school shootings for that fear not to creep inside our little one’s minds. It’s sad really because all they should have to worry about it getting their rusty old locker to open and making it to class on time.

I know it’s popular for old folks like me to tell today’s kids how easy they’ve got it but I disagree. I think being a kid in the ’60s was easier than what these munchkins navigate through today.

My mom was fond of saying that you can’t put an old head on young shoulders and I know it’s true. Still I wish I could get into the heads of some of these kids and tell them what I wished someone had told me when I was their age.

I’d tell them they are so lucky to have a free public education and they should take advantage of every club, activity and opportunity to learn.

I’d tell them to seek out the student who always seems to sit alone and try to be a friend to that child. They may never know how that small gesture of kindness could change a life.

I’d tell them to look both ways twice before stepping off the school bus because there are too many idiots with smartphones in their hands not paying attention and passing the bus despite the flashing lights.

I’d tell them to seek out the teachers who seem to genuinely care about them learning and thank them. I’d also encourage them to sit in the front of the class away from the kids who act out and distract them from learning, even if that isn’t the “cool” place to sit.

I’d tell them to read everything they could get their hands on especially the editorial page of their local newspaper. I’d push them to read the op-ed pieces as well and try to expose themselves to opposing views that challenge what they think they know.

I’d tell them not to judge another person before getting to know them and understand that different upbringings produce different views but that doesn’t mean they are wrong; just different.

I’d also tell them if they’re in college and a speaker is invited to campus whom they disagree with, don’t stand outside the lecture hall with a sign protesting, get inside and take the speaker on intellectually with thoughts and ideas.

And, perhaps most importantly, I’d tell them to stay home more and spend time with their parents and grandparents because a day will come when they are no longer with them and they’ll wish they could have back one of those Friday nights when they hung out on the street corner instead of splitting dessert with mom or dad.

Finally, I’d tell them if they ever go to SUNY Oswego and get a room on the 8th floor with a view of that magnificent lake they should take a picture because I know a guy who missed his chance. Thirty four years; doesn’t it go by in a blink?

So welcome back students, young and old. Enjoy this time before it disappears like an Oswego sunset.