These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Friday, November 09, 2007

Spaghetti and Conversation

Last night's spaghetti dinner was great fun. It was at a fraternity house at the university where Connie teaches. The fraternity does this each year to raise money for a charity, and two of her former students invited us, or rather invited Connie and her family, to join them. We were joined by those students and a friend for dinner. What a delightful time we had!

It was fun to sit with these three young men and hear about their lives. There was some talk about the classes that Connie teaches and their deep appreciation for her as a teacher and friend to her students, but most of the conversation was about their studies in general, their futures, fun events in their lives, etc. So refreshing to have quality conversations with people whose ages tend to make one think of other things, such as partying, dating, drinking, etc. Don't get me wrong, I don't have bad impressions of young people in general, but it has been a while since I've had such an opportunity to hear something so hopeful about our future. And these three young men aren't stuffed shirt bores, either. All three had many fun, funny, and exciting aspects to their lives to complement their solid plans for their futures.

One of them had a kerchief tied around his head and sported a groomed beard and mustache. I asked about their majors and was surprised when he said History. Don't know what I expected, but his attire was not what I would have expected to associate him in that major. Since history is an interest of mine, I was immediately drawn into conversation with him, asking his what his career goals were. Eventually he wants to teach, but meantime he feels he has a lot to learn before he undertakes passing it on to others. He is currently working at a museum where he was given a task of identifying unmarked coins from the ancient Roman and Greek periods. It meant a lot of research for him over the past year, and he has developed a time line with the historical points of each coin that will be made into a display which will span over forty feet in the museum! What a fun task! Kylee is also a history buff, so she spent some time talking with him, and he was amazed by her knowledge. She is a smart and well rounded child with interests that range from sunrise to sunset. She held her own in a conversation with him for several minutes.

The other two are engineers-in-the-making. One is studying aerodynamics, recently engaged to his high school sweetheart who attends another university. They will marry sometime after she graduates in 2009. I forget the exact type engineering major of the third one, but he is a double major with Spanish as his second degree. He is currently leaning toward doing more with the Spanish, and Connie is encouraging him as he seems to have a gift for language. His mother is very ill, and his worries about her cause him to struggle at times. He has maintained his grades and his scholarships, essential now that his family is able to help him financially given the burden of medical expenses well over and above their insurance coverage. I thought about how difficult it must be to be so young, around 21 I'd guess, and to carry that kind of weight in concern.

It was a very good evening, good company, and I left feeling warmly encouraged about the future in the hands of such young people. I realize that since I quit working where I was able to have frequent contact with college students and recent graduates beginning careers, I've lost the sense of hope that comes from seeing and talking with such bright, hopeful stewards of our future. I've missed that.

6 comments:

  1. You see the good in all of your experiences, Lynilu ! I am glad that you enjoyed your evening !
    Spaghetti and interesting conversation is a winner every time.

    Hugs,
    Loving Annie

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  2. Yes as Loving Annie said you do see the good in all of your experiences. Something I wish I could always do. Now I might have to have some spaghetti for dinner tonight.

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  3. Annie - I try to seek out the good, but times such as this it is easy to do. What a fun evening!

    Patti - I don't *always* see the good, but I do try to look for the good elements to hang on to. If I didn't do that, I'd be insane by now! But don't give up trying. It's an exercise in happiness!! Enjoy your spaghetti!!

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  4. That does seem like a nice way to spend an evening. We need more of that kind of thing going on. :)

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  5. Isn't it simply wonderful when you connect with this generation and find they have interesting things to say and offer? I am always amazed and blessed when I converse with my son and his friends. My oldest is studying history and english and hopes to teach but that could change...he's in first year. History students are some of the more "campy" and "bold" personalities I've discovered. It's not just their love of the past..it's how they tie it in with the present and the future. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening.

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  6. Thaillandchani - Welcome! Yes, we do. It would improve the world immeasurably!

    Sherry - I really like it! It is refreshing to find out that there are such great promises for our future!

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!