My Scenery Never Changes

I tease my friends in private industry that, in my job, the scenery never changes. They scoff at my "whoa is me" disclaimer. Why? Well, I am a teacher. Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo is where I ply my trade.

Every fall for the past 20 years, I return to campus to greet a new group of young people who will change the world. They are smart, fit, eager, naive, have beautiful straight white teeth and are 18 years old. The rest of 'em are 19 to 23 years old. Yea, they too are gorgeous kids. I have shoes older than most of them. My scenery is great. I see the future everyday!

This week, we begin again. We start later than most universities–but we get out later than them on the back side of the school year. I kinda like it that way. For a brief period everybody is in school but us. They groan while I put the finishing touches on a late summer tan.

My old students will stop by and we'll catch up on summer. My new students will pace back and forth in front of my office, not sure if they should bother me. Bother me?  Hell no, get your ass in here – without you there is no need for me. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The process begins.

For those who know the answer to that question, we map a plan for them to get there. Who do they need to know in the next four years? Let's make it happen! For those who shrug their shoulders and say "I dunno" they get to stay in my office longer. How can I help them get past "I dunno" if I don't know what makes 'em tick? Sometimes I do not ask them what they want to do, I tell them what to do. I'm an action oriented kinda guy. They soon learn you don't get anywhere being, what I call a "wondering generality." Sure, all who wonder are not lost, but some of these geniuses (and I mean that) haven't a clue about what is ahead. In time they figure it out.

They're in college! They think they've made it. Ooops, big mistake. College is not a destination. It is a step along the path to your life's purpose. This little joyride comes to an end. You better figure out which way you are gonna exit this big 'ol ferris wheel! Calmly going to the next ride or screaming like a two-year old wanting to suck on the binky (mom and dad) a little longer!

Don't feel sorry for me. My scenery is pretty good...it keeps me young. But some of 'em need to pull their damn pants up. Son, you're in college now.

Scott