We are at that time of our life where some of us have kids in college, or kids who will soon enter college, or kids who are embarking on early careers of their own. I was thinking about a wonderful story Tommy Scordato told me at our last Reunion, apropos of this somewhat weighty time for us and our kids, a time of decision.
As he told it, he was a junior in high school or thereabouts, and needed to make up his mind regarding choosing the right college, vis a vis a viable career path: in other words, he knew his Dad to be a very practical man, who might frown on an expensive liberal arts degree leading to a vague Promised Land known as "Business".
Sure enough, Tommy was sitting at the kitchen table one fine Sunday morning, and his Dad sat down and asked: "So Tommy, what do you want to do when you grow up?" Tommy, having given it at least some thought, answered: "A Forest Ranger, Dad." Mr. Scordato: "Good. Here's 50 cents, go down to the deli and get the Sunday Times for me, would you?" Tommy, relieved to have gotten off so easily walked down to the Oregon Deli, and did what he was told. "Here's the paper, Dad."
"Thanks. Now", said Mr. S., "go to the Help Wanted section, and circle for me all of the entries for 'Forest Ranger'". Tommy of course found zero ads for 'Forest Ranger'. "Now" says Mr. S., "Please circle all of the ads for 'Engineer'". Tommy did so, and found dozens. "How many jobs are out there for 'Forest Ranger', Tom?" "None, Dad". "And how many Engineers are wanted Tommy?" "47, Dad." "Good. You're going to be an Engineer, Tommy".
Tommy went to The Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA. Captained the MMA Buccaneers Lacrosse Team. Got his degree in Energy Systems Engineering. Did very well for himself. (And he listened to his Dad). |
