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Connecting with younger people is like a rejuvenating fountain of life for me. Since many of us are fortunate to have children and grandchildren nearby, we can enjoy being a part of their everyday life, allowing us to share a special bond with them.
But some of us are restricted by the confines of chronology, and cut off from interaction with younger people. Small wonder that so many seniors retire to college towns. Being around younger people reminds me how thrilling it was when I was young—when the future was bright, and so many adventures were possible.
While age does have its benefits, I cherish the memories of that time in my life that was vibrant and dynamic. Like a spring breeze, everything was fresh and exhilarating. There was a feeling of having endless time ahead of us, and boundless energy to enjoy it.
The enthusiasm which youth projects is to be nurtured. As mentors, we can temper it with wisdom and responsibility. For all of you who are young at heart, here are two questions for you to ponder:
1. In what ways has social interaction with younger people enhanced your life?
2. In your nostalgic moments, what do you miss about the sheer excitement of being young?
When our 2 children entered middle school and high school, I encouraged both to compete in speech and debate (aka forensics) as an extracurricular activity. My hope was that by doing so, they would develop strong communication and critical thinking skills. My own HS years spent engaged in this activity have contributed significantly to whatever modest professional success I’ve been able to enjoy as an adult.
I initially volunteered as an assistant coach and event judge at tournaments when our kids competed in the early 2010s. Spending 15-20 Saturdays a year engaging with hundreds of earnest kids, each working diligently to get just a little better at their craft each week – it was just a wonderful thing to be a part of.
After our kids moved on to college, I opted to continue coaching at 2 other high schools, eventually assuming a head coach / moderator role at my alma mater for 2 years. It’s like I have 25 kids of my own that are all now moving into young adulthood. The regular interactions I still have with students I’ve coached over the last decade has been like drinking from the fountain of youth for this old timer!
After retirement, my plan is to seek out an inner-city HS that wants to start up a speech and debate team and work part-time in helping them build and develop a sustainable program. I seem to have a thing for seeking out start-up opportunities in my work-life, so helping another generation of kids discover this wonderful activity in schools where it doesn’t currently exist seems like a perfect fit to keep me busy and happy.
What better way to instill confidence in a young person, than through the art of expressing themselves. I would have so enjoyed your coaching.
When I was a child, there were still many people who were strong proponents of the old proverb that admonished children not to speak until spoken to. Although it sounds medieval, it was often thought of as a way to show good breeding, especially for young ladies.
You have chosen a worthy avocation. I hope you have many opportunities to continue sharing your unique coaching abilities.
Marjorie, thanks for a fun and thought-provoking post. Interaction with younger people enhances my life every day. Watching our children become fine adults and great parents has been a constant source of joy. Grandchildren make me happy everyday.
Last Sunday we had a chance to experience a nice right of passage for our 18 year old great nephew. We were invited to attend Patrick John’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was a 2 hour drive, but both our sons and their families happily made the trek to celebrate with their family. The ceremony was run by his fellow scouts and was quite impressive. Patrick John’s father – Patrick – performed the Eagle Scout charge 30 years after he received his Eagle Scout charge. The reception afterwards was good old-fashioned family and neighborly fun. The best part was watching the cousins – 18, 16, 14, 11, 9, 5, and 2 – play joyfully. It made feel young, proud, and blessed.
Rick, Thanks for sharing your proud and happy family moments. Reading about the joy you experience is uplifting.