A couple of summers ago, I was gifted with the opportunity to spend a morning with a well-known photographer and his college-aged daughter.  He was photographing a friend’s homestead ranch for a book he was preparing and pointing out to both Katie and me some potential photos for us to practice on.  And in between the suggestions, Katie and I chatted. 

“What school did you get your degree from?” Katie asked at one point.  Briefly I considered how to answer her.  At times I’ve regretted not having followed my heart to become a veterinarian, and I have gone to college off and on when the urge had led me in that direction.  But my career path and life choices have never gone in a direction where that’s happened. 

Finally, I just chuckled and said, “My degree has come from the school of hard knocks!”  Katie is young enough she didn’t understand that terminology, as evidenced by her confused look.  “That means most of my knowledge has come from what I’ve learned along the way.  And not all the roads I’ve traveled have been paved.” I explained.  “But I love to read, I have a strong knowledge of the English language, I write, and six years in the small market radio media have given me the ability to draw people out and learn from their experiences.”

Those are the things I want to teach my grandchildren, the love of reading, the interest of who and what surround them, and an eagerness to learn all they can.  And I hope I’m here to help encourage and direct them so they can reach their potential in such a way they will be happy, productive citizens.