Proud of my Boy

I am proud of my boy. He quit school about a year ago. He felt it was pointless. He felt aimless and without direction. He couldn’t determine what he wanted to do with his life, and didn’t want to waste any more time at school. Against our wishes he quit and joined the work force. He worked like a dog. He spent the last year spinning his wheels in jobs that clearly had no future. He had an accident with his car and it sucked every penny out of his pocket. After one year he had little to show for his efforts. That’s the sad part.

The happy part is that during his work, he got the opportunity to fashion a future for himself. He learned some of his aptitudes and interests. The first job he had was an assembly line production job. He ran a machine. Boring yes…Future no. However, during the plant shut down he had the opportunity to work with the millwrights. He got the chance to work on machines, do scheduled maintenance and repairs. It gave him a taste of a better job and a career idea.

The next job he did was to work with a plumber who specialized in water treatment and pumping. He did many “no water” calls which taught him about pump systems and fluid delivery and treatment. There wasn’t enough work for him and it upset him. He is a hard worker and his boss didn’t share the same work etiquette. Nevertheless, this job was another stepping stone in his journey of future self.

He spent two agonizing weeks working at my office where he learned that people are generally lazy and incompetent. He also learned that if he didn’t get an education or a trade, then he would be doomed to poor pay and little advancement. He had decided to go back to school and this job helped to underscore that importance.

Once he knew what he wanted to do, it made school easier. He knew now which courses to take. He only needs 4 more courses and right now he is doing exceptionally well. I think he is even going to be on the honor role this year. I can hardly believe it, as school has been a struggle from day one. Its not that he isn’t bright, its just that he was not motivated.

He applied to several colleges for Robotics and was accepted to all. We have been doing campus tours and last week we went to visit Durham College. Durham College was very very impressive. He knew that this was the place for him, and when we returned home, he firmed up the application and paid a deposit. So as of September, my son Dylan will be away to college! I was so impressed with the facilities and the career path he has chosen. I am even a little jealous.

Now all we have to do is figure out how to pay for it. Dylan is confident that he can raise the coin. He has a job lined up for summer, he will apply for some student loans and grants. Sue and I will help him out a bit. He has decided to park his car and live in residence. He wants to immerse himself in the whole experience. He wants out of his comfort zone and will move to the big city of Oshawa.

I am so proud of him it brings tears to my eyes.