Opinion - Experience - Therapy

Giving Thanks

By: Ed Foster Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The last thing any of us wants to do is work for free, especially in this market.

But here I am, sitting down to do a pro bono annual report. It's for an inner city school that accepts any student who wants to work harder, better themselves, and act responsibly. At 20 pages plus cover, I can't help thinking: "I don't have time for this. I've got to get out there and find that next great job!"

As I run through all the pictures the school has provided, I'm bummed about the lack of consistent quality. Some are too small, others slightly out of focus, and others are too bright or dark. Forget color - they are all over the place. But it's the best they have this year.

Given all the less than perfect parts, I'm still committed to doing the very best job I can. It's all I really know. So this project will take some time from several people here to get it finished. I start to get frustrated...

And then I start to look at the faces in the pictures and see the smiles and confidence. I look at the Headmaster who is sitting at lunch with the students. You know he not driving a high price car or spending the summers on the Cape or Islands. He has his tie on tight and his sleeves rolled up. And he is engaged with a huge smile.

Kids have their hands in clay making things. Others have goggles on as they do mad science. And then I start to really read the copy.

All Fifty-two members of the graduating Class of 2009 were accepted into a college or university of their choice, many of them as the first members of their family to have the opportunity of higher education.

Are you kidding me? Wow! This school is doing something right, something big! They are also trying to raise money to make some badly needed improvements to their buildings. Nothing fancy, just basic needs. Windows, paint, desks. I don't even want you to see what the school looks like. But they are getting there. A handful of businessmen are doing the heavy lifting. Even as their livelihoods almost collapsed.

So as we work hard to keep doing what we love to do, we can't afford not to spend some time giving back. Especially now when they need us the most.

I'm thankful to have moments like these, to remind me of what's truly important. What are you thankful for this year?

Library of PAST ARTICLES

Leave us your opinion! (and your details)

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Enter Comments

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Please enter the word you see in the image below: