2/15/22
I can still clearly remember the day when the young 7th grade girl came up to me at school and said, “Mr. Powell, when do I get my check?” Needless to say, I was a bit confused and found myself stumbling for words. Check? What check? I asked. She went on to say that her mother got a check every month and that she didn’t work, so she wanted to know when she was going to get her check. I was simultaneously devastated and angry. Here was a 13 year old girl with no aspirations for the future, and thus a not so happy life ahead and she didn’t even know it. Work gives worth to each one of us. That sense of accomplishment and of giving it my best. I had watched my dad come home every day and felt the sense of accomplishment and purpose he shared. I look forward to the 7thgrader who comes up to me and says, “I can’t wait until I get to go to work so I can contribute to my community, just like my mom and dad have. I’m hopeful because many in this latest generation are contributing to their communities. Now that’s Good News.
