School's Out and Learning Is IN

School's out!


This phrase is being repeated throughout the region as children, families, teachers and administrators transition out of another school term.


I was the available family member today for one of the grandchildren to stand for them during their end-of-year program. It is pretty cool to be there when the little one looks back to see a familial face (Yes, that is the right word.) and there was one and it was mine.


We got to unpack book bags and put away some things we won't need till the new school year starts in the late summer. There were certificates, report cards, comments, too many pencils, scissors, glue sticks, tissues and germicidal wipes, even a borrowed pointer for a class presentation and some nondescript food item that had to be handled with tongs on the way to the trash.


Putting things away is one way we mark transitions.


The only sad note was that the true trophies of the school, Spanish language specialists, were not having their contract renewed and they were returning to their home countries. What a loss for the children next year.


Then, there are GRADUATES.


This area has so many colleges and universities that graduation has been going on for weeks. Dr. Oprah, Secretary of State Clinton and others have roused the young people who have finished their coursework and theses to go out and thrive in the greater world.


Some will.


By the way, Mary Easley got promoted to the ranks of the unemployed. This was a sad and necessary action by the UNC Board Of Governors. Now we can get on with business without that sideshow.


In my photo lab I have dozens of glass and plastic graduates. Most are metric. They measure precise amounts of liquid.


I don't think college degrees at the Associate level are necessarily less full than the doctoral level. In today's economy, many people with technical degrees are more in demand than people with masters and PhD s.


We just have to look at the mark on the graduate and see where the line of value exists.


I am very happy that we have excellent Empowerment Coaches (I'd be happy to name a great one for you.) that can help offer centeredness and direction to us in this dynamic culture.


School's out and the time for learning is off the clock. I have an 8 year old granddaughter and a 9 year old granddaughter who will be doing some italic handwriting and photography this summer. They will be having Papa art camp and they will have fun. Me too!

 I'd love to see you take some graduated steps toward your happiness and success in one of my classes.  © Tim www.timjohnsonphoto.com