Since my daughter, Nee, has been at her new school, she has really blossomed. I give most of the credit to her teacher, Mrs. Scott.
Mrs. Scott was the first teacher who has really nurtured Nee and pushed her out of her comfort zone. Under Mrs. Scott’s tutelage, Nee has done things that take courage, confidence, and determination.
I was shocked when she informed me that she had decided to run for Student Council. My eyes glazed over as “Hail to The Chief” started playing in my head.
“Don’t get all excited, Dad,” she said. “I’m only doing it because my teacher made me.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
The world would be a better place if all politicians were so adorable
“She said that I was lazy if I didn’t fill out the nomination form,” she said. “And I don’t want her to think I’m lazy.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked. “Being on the student council is a lot of responsibility.”
“What will I have to do?” she asked.
“You’ll be the voice for your classmates,” my wife, KayEm, explained. “You’ll help to make your school a better place.”
Nee thought about it for a while and then agreed to proceed. As a former student council member, her decision made me very happy.
“What should I write on my form?” Nee asked.
“Just write down reasons why people should vote for you,” KayEm said.
“I’m smart,” Nee said.
“That’s good,” KayEm said. “But there are many smart kids at your school.”
“But I’m the smartest one in my class,” Nee said.
“I don’t think you want to say that either,” KayEm said. “Your classmates might take exception to that statement.”
“Well, what should I write?” Nee asked in a whiny voice. This is where I tuned her out. Whining doesn’t play well with me.
“Just go to your room and think of something,” KayEm said.
After several minutes alone, Nee finally completed her campaign manifesto:
I will be a good class representative because I get all of my tasks done and I am very creative and I love to volunteer. I am very kind and I will listen to you. I am honest. I will come to every meeting unless I am sick or something else happens. I’m always willing to help with something. SO VOTE FOR ME!!!!!!
Nee and I worked on campaign posters until it was time for her to go to bed. In fact, I worked on the posters well after her bedtime. I would have created media for YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook if KayEm hadn’t made me come to bed.
Nee campaigned hard for the next few days and even delivered a stirring stump speech. Unfortunately, she was not victorious (I want a recount).
Although Nee was disappointed by the outcome, she was glad that she ran. I wonder if David Axelrod is busy? We need to start preparing for next year’s campaign. I hear fourth graders are some pretty tough constituents.
Stay Strong,
Popularity: 1% [?]
