John Schade
Well, a new school year is upon us. I graduated with the class of 1969 and soon we will be celebrating our 55th (oh boy, oh boy) class reunion. Ah, the days before the technological explosion we are experiencing today. We actually used #2 pencils, real lined paper, black (not white) chalkboards and it was an honor to be chosen to dust off the erasers for the teacher on Friday afternoons. We really did go to school from 8:15 to 3:20 and had to be in school ALL DAY! And we even learned a thing or two from watching a thing or two. And that was without the help of Google. Oh, I googled of course, but it was more like I “google” with all the pretty girls. Or was that “gawk?” But we are not going there!!!
Here are twenty things I wish I had learned during my time in school. Honestly, most of these lessons are probably not the responsibility of the teachers or the school system, but be that as it may, here are some things that all children should learn during their time in school:
*The value of family. Friends come and go, but your family will be there for you year after year. At least, they should be. Learn to love, respect and forgive family members. Nobody is perfect!
* Learn the signs of a friend who is struggling. Intervene quickly. Take good care of friendships.
*Learn more about taxes! What they are, how to file them, why we have them, etc. …
*Credit cards!!!! They have destroyed or at least damaged many a life. If you don’t have the money, DON’T BUY THEM!!!
*Learn how to disconnect from social media as often as possible and discover the beautiful world around you.
* With this in mind, learn the value of playing sports, playing and enjoying life to the fullest… without harming others.
*VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. This is the only place where we are all equal. Every vote counts!! What is important to you? Then vote accordingly.
*Use your sense of humor….as often as possible. Laughing at yourself is good. Others do it too, so you can join in too!!
*You are valuable, special, unique and important, BUT you are not the center of the universe. Get over it.
*Find out your spiritual life. I have always believed that we are three beings: spirit, soul and body. Nourish all three.
*Learn that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
*Learn some basic craft skills….“Loose on the left, tight on the right.”
*Learn contracts! Don’t sign anything until you know what you’re signing. Ask for help if you need it.
*Learn to balance a checkbook. Am I the only person who still has one??
*Do you know how to change a tire? How about jump-starting a car that won’t start? That might be good to know.
*Learn to advocate for someone who is being abused. Help someone who can’t help themselves.
*Learn to be generous. Pay it forward. Stingy people are, well, stingy people.
*Learn how to apply for, get and repay a loan. Always check the interest rate!
I left it at 18 because I either couldn’t think of anything else or I expect you to fill out the other two. So what do you wish you had learned in school? Let me know at [email protected] or call me at 319.327.4640. Have a great week!
