Steve Nelson your writing always hits direct to the bone ...loved your passion in the "go for it" exclamation ...and the reminder that "the chase itself is rich with learning and satisfaction, no matter the final destination." I often think of the book "Moby Dick" where the chase for the unattainable great white whale makes for the great adventure :) Thanks for your always positive light xx Lisa Heffter
I agree that we should encourage kids to "go for it," and without all the academic pressure. "Gifted" education often means harder classes and more homework! That won't inspire young people to pursue careers in those areas where they have talent. All the coursework students are expected to do in high school to prepare for college seems ridiculous to me. Like you said, they can always learn something later if they want to or need to. Given the reports on the mental health of teens today, I think letting them find what they enjoy and love learning again is far more important than AP classes.
The problem with "go for it" is that in most fields, going for it has been commodified. My daughter was briefly into dance and even in the three year old class they expected the kids to pay fortunes for the leotards, slippers, and performance outfits. It gets worse the longer one is in dancing (or gymnastics, or music, or many other things). I think one of the things that appealed to me about writing that I could "go for it" with nothing more than a notebook and a ballpoint pen.
How I miss your easy upbeat energy and take on life ...!
ANY time you find yourself in NYC, let's play!!
xx!!
Ah, you missed this: https://www.vnews.com/Column-Perspective-earned-the-hard-way-36177376?fbclid=IwAR2UhrFtSDkaobuIDdSDeO0QDShWXKvtqPtHofemew5ZCpvSNUl7EAGleT4
No more violin for me.
Steve Nelson your writing always hits direct to the bone ...loved your passion in the "go for it" exclamation ...and the reminder that "the chase itself is rich with learning and satisfaction, no matter the final destination." I often think of the book "Moby Dick" where the chase for the unattainable great white whale makes for the great adventure :) Thanks for your always positive light xx Lisa Heffter
How I miss chamber music with you!
I agree that we should encourage kids to "go for it," and without all the academic pressure. "Gifted" education often means harder classes and more homework! That won't inspire young people to pursue careers in those areas where they have talent. All the coursework students are expected to do in high school to prepare for college seems ridiculous to me. Like you said, they can always learn something later if they want to or need to. Given the reports on the mental health of teens today, I think letting them find what they enjoy and love learning again is far more important than AP classes.
The problem with "go for it" is that in most fields, going for it has been commodified. My daughter was briefly into dance and even in the three year old class they expected the kids to pay fortunes for the leotards, slippers, and performance outfits. It gets worse the longer one is in dancing (or gymnastics, or music, or many other things). I think one of the things that appealed to me about writing that I could "go for it" with nothing more than a notebook and a ballpoint pen.