Dear World by Dan Valentine

So it won't be today and it is my daughter not my son starting school but after hearing this read by the principal(credit him) of what will be my daughter's elementary school I thought it worth sharing.  Day One of the "Kindergarten Camp" went well and being in the high school as I am, I saw and experienced things from the other side so to speak.   We've dropped her off at a school before.  But it wasn't quite the same.  This is the real deal.  My little girl is starting school.  About the only the thing that provides me peace of mind as I start my own school year, is that along the way, she'll encounter people who will care for and nurture her.  They will give and share of themselves to make her better and help her grow. They will help guide and shape her into the person she will become.  In Teaching Underground spirit, there is no computer or test that can do that.  As the world spins by, the start of every year gives me pause and reminds me that every child is special and deserves to be treated as such.

Dear World      

by Dan Valentine

 

My young son starts to school today...It's going to be sort of strange and new to him for awhile, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently. You see, up to now he's been king of the roost...He's been boss of the backyard...His mother has always been near to soothe his wounds and repair his feelings.
But now things are going to be different.

This morning he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start out on the great adventure...It is and adventure that might take him across continents, across oceans...It's an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow...To live his life in the world he will have to live in, will require faith and love and courage.

So, World, I wish you would sort of look after him...Take him by the hand and teach him things he will have to know.
But do it gently, if you can.
He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, that all men are not true.
But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero...that for every crooked politician there is a great and dedicated leader...Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.
Steer him away from envy, if you can...and teach him the secret of quiet laughter.

In school, World, teach him it is far more honorable to fail that to cheat...Teach him to have faith in his own idea, even if everyone says they are wrong...Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon...Teach him to listen to all men - but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take just the good that siphons through.
Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he's sad...Teach him there is no shame in tears...Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success.

Treat him gently, World, if you can, but don't coddle him...Because only the test of fire makes fine steel...Let him have the courage to be impatient...Let him have the patience to be brave.
Let him be no other man's man...Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself.
Because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.
This is quite and order, World, but see what you can do...He's such a nice little fellow, my son!