I decided that while sitting in the lobby of the Super 8 motel in Watertown, WI. it would be a fine time to write a blog entry. Julie and I are here to visit Erik here at Luther Prep School as part of homecoming weekend. We always enjoy our trips to Watertown and this one is no different. Well, it is not too different for us in procedure. However, one thing is changing for the better; Erik is growing up in many new ways.
The difference is noticeable to us in how the Friday of homecoming played out from last year to this year. Erik was getting his feet wet at LPS as a freshmen and getting a handle on many new things. Being Erik, he measured how involved he wished to get in the many activities students have available to them. As a sextaner (first year) student, Erik did get involved in yearbook and chess club a little later. Otherwise, Erik stuck to his academics and attended lots of basketball games. He became involved in Livestream broadcasts of those basketball games on a regular basis.
Now in his quintanar year, Erik has become more independent and involved in the LPS student body. His new roommate is part of that coming out of his shell. Erik is now involved in being the varsity football team statistician, has a part in the fall play production, is still doing yearbook and plans on being lead statistician for the varsity girls basketball team. This involved traveling to away games, so it demands some time commitment, but his studies always come first.
Perhaps that is one of the things we have noticed over the past couple years form middle school to high school - the focus on keeping schedules and events in their proper order. Working on tasks early before their due dates is obvious in Erik's approach to school. Even when his has permission to be out of study period, he has his homework with him as he watches Packer football or enjoys other activities.
Erik is also being responsible and thrifty with money. He had an accident with the laptop he was given to use at LPS, and spilled water into it causing a short of the motherboard. He knows the value was close to $800 and decided that his LPS job as janitor would be used to repay the fund to buy him a new / used laptop later on next year.
So how did we notice the difference this Friday? Erik arranged to met us after 3rd hour Latin, eat lunch, then leave a bit early to study Geometry notes for an exam. Afterward, he met us to take us to music class, followed by his Prophets and Gospel class. We were please when he answer a difficult question about a specific topic in one of the gospels for Professor Kiecker. He than went to his English quiz, and afterward performed in the jazz band for the pep rally in the auditorium. Afterward, he report for his 1.5 hour shift for work. Because of work, Erik missed supper, but prepared to do his job has statistician for the football team. Julie and I bought him banana and brat so he was not to hungry. After the game, Erik was able to spend time with friends and his parents.
For a 14 year old to had presence of mind and time management skills like a college student is a heart warming thing to see for parents. Maybe Julie and I do have a little tinge of pride running through us. Just don't tell Erik.
