The Middle School Nightmare That Wasn't

The Middle School Nightmare That Wasn’t

How would I like to come in as President Bush and speak to seven consecutive classes of slobbery stinky seventh graders at a “Teach-in”? I remember seventh grade. Scary prospect to say the least. I actually HAVE a thirteen year old, my son Jonathan. Kids his age are fidgety, bored, and they have the attention span of a marble.

What would I talk about? How would I keep them engaged for a whole period? Could I last through seven periods? Would they all be disrespectful Bush Bashers? Suddenly I had a great new respect for my friend Dave who faces this each and every day!

Sure, I’d love to.

Actually, this was my third time subjecting myself to this mayhem, as my friend has asked me to be his guest teacher every year since I’ve been impersonating President Bush.

We actually had a fantastic time. During each period, Dave introduced me as “The President,” and I shared comedy and a little science with the kids as GW. I brought my McPherson guitar, and shared a song or two with each class, which gave me the chance to talk about sound waves (my science contribution). I then stepped out of character, and talked about opportunity to overcome obstacles and live your dreams. The kids were very attentive, well behaved, mostly articulate, and we really had a blast together.

Yesterday my buddy Dave handed me over fifty letters of thanks from the students. The love expressed in those letters made every moment of trepidation worth the investment.

In her precious broken English, a young Vietnamese student wrote her thanks and asked me to return and “Bring me some picture.” She showed her friends the autographed picture I gave her and her friends all wanted one. She loved the music and asked me to bring more songs when I come back. In bold letters, colored with orange designs, she wrote, PLEASE COME BACK!
I will.