Kathleen's Blog

I’ve been volunteering at a local high school, mentoring young ladies who want to become professional women.  (No snide comments about using me to mentor impressionable minds….)  I am supposed to talk to them about their hopes and dreams and goals and…homework.

It has been quite the learning experience for me and what I have learned is that… the future might be in a little bit of trouble.

Why?  I am so very glad you asked, it is like you knew I wanted to tell you a story… 🙂

I was following up with one of my young charges today and I asked her how she did on her English Essay.

“I got a C-.”

“ What?!  How did that happen?”

“Ms. Kathleen, I tried but my teacher didn’t care .”

“Did you follow the instructions?  Was it 5 pages?”

“No, I tried to get to 5 pages, but I only got to 4.”

“Was it about your favorite book like the assignment asked?”

“I tried to come up with a book, but I decided to pick a movie instead”

“Did you at least turn it in on time?”

“I tried…”

Why do today’s teenagers think “trying” is enough.  When did “trying” become worthy of an A?  

I found myself using a sports analogy my boss uses….in baseball, it doesn’t matter if you jump up and try to catch the ball, it only matters if you actually land with the ball in your glove… and so it goes with life.

Don’t get me wrong,  I am all about applauding your efforts – WooHoo!  BUT,  I am only going to reward your results.  What is this misguided generation going to do when they hit the business world?  I sure as heck hope they don’t end up working for me….

I spent quite a bit of time explaining the importance of effort AND results.   I am not sure she understood my explanation, but I tried….

Love, me