When the Empowerment Tour was in Seattle’s Westlake Center, an exceptionally dapper man in a white suit and straw hat who carried a cane stopped by our booth. When I asked him if he was interested in going back to school, told me he was already in school studying law.
Probing further, I discovered that in six months he was going to hit the century mark, one hundred years old. Active, curious and still wanting to learn and entertain. He asked several of us if we knew the definition of illegal, and was delighted to let us know that it wasn’t something that was not legal, rather a sick bird (ill eagle).
Curious about his life, I learned that he had a military career in training soldiers to safely manage their weapons. Prior to and after he retired, he did voice-overs in film for numerous cartoon animals and characters, which he promptly demonstrated for me.
He mentioned that the University was encouraging him to graduate, but he didn’t want to, fearful he wouldn’t have anything to do. He is a wonderful example of the value of continuous learning to keep one vital and alive.
Another example of someone I found inspiring was the person American Public University (APU) had chosen to receive a full tuition scholarship. Rosendo Guerrero. Guerrero was a classic example of an intelligent man, who due to life circumstances never got around to gaining a college degree. After serving in the military, he found work that didn’t permit him a regular schedule. Like many he got married, had children and never got around to going back to school. In the meantime, he had an excellent work ethic and was asked to take on more and more responsibilities in his job. Laid off due to the economic downturn, he discovered although he had great experience and many accomplishments, his lack of a college education was a disadvantage. I was glad APU recognized the value of investing in this man.
So many of the people I visit with have a similar story. In less competitive times, they were able to demonstrate their competencies and stay employed. After a layoff though, they are one of many vying for the same position. It seems a college degree is becoming increasingly important.
I found Seattle to be a vital, colorful, richly textured city. I was glad to have a free day to explore the city. Our hotel was in walking distance from the majestic Space Needle, built for the World Fair. The Seattle Center was filled with activity and close by I noticed the Duck Tours, a WWI amphibious landing craft, that can go from both land to water. I didn’t have time to go on the tour, but I was able to go for a ride on the Monorail that brought me close to Pikes Place Market. I had been there before and looked forward to being immersed in this bustling place filled with items and foods from a full range of cultures.
Walking thru the market I became aware of being somewhat overwhelmed by the numerous, stores, booths, foods and items. Lots of choices! I was looking for gifts to give to some friends, and had a tough time. I finally made a decision by telling myself it may or may not be the right choice, and I expect my friends would be glad I thought of them. I am reminded of the countless choices one has regarding what courses to study, where to volunteer, how to spend one’s time. It may or may not be the best choice, though it can always be an opportunity to further define one’s path.
Of course in Seattle one must visit the The Fish Guys, famous for the fun they provid for the visitors by making a show of throwing fish to them. This time they chose a young boy from the crowd, dressed him up in their uniform and gave him the opportunity to catch the fish. The crowd enjoyed the boy’s delight. It is a reminder one can bring creativity and fun to even what may be initially considered a mundane task.
Recent Comments