Holiday Season or Holiday Break? - YW 12-12

Holiday Season or Holiday Break?

December 2012

   I can only imagine that the Christmas season has been a “challenge” for parents

since before the first gift was ever exchanged.  The real challenge for every parent is not

the “gift giving” or the fuss over the presents.  The REAL challenge is what to do with a

houseful of young people from the start of the Holiday break until the first day of school

in January, especially during a time when the weather may prevent or limit outside

The answer to this challenge largely governs whether parents view November and

December as the Holiday Season or a “Holiday Break”.  Families with a plan of activities

to keep young people engaged or active enjoy a very long and rewarding Holiday Season

- they laugh and fellowship through November and December with a stockpile of

memories and pictures to share for years to come.  These families create environments

where some activities are planned and many others just happen.  Or, they have a

tradition of doing certain things through the Holiday season.

   Parents who regard December as a “Holiday Break” focus primarily on the days

where students are out of school.  If, as a parent/guardian, this is your focus, it may

mean that you are a more than a little concerned about how you will keep the kids

occupied during the break.  These parents may often feel responsible for keeping their

kids “busy” or simply out of the way.

   As a parent of four (two pre-teens and two teens), I look forward to the Holiday

season.  I really enjoy the extra family time.  Through the years, we have spent the

Holiday season doing a number of different things.  We have traveled to spend extended

time with friends and family, hosted traveling friends and family and stayed local.  In

any case or scenario, our goal is always to keep the family focus on the true meaning

of the season.  It is far too easy to get sucked into the “what am I going to get for . . .”

insanity.  The Holiday season does not always mean having to spend money.

There are plenty of family activities that are engaging, entertaining and just plain

fun.  Most of them involve having to let go of some of life’s stresses before you can really

enjoy them.  As an example, when was the last time your family actually played a board

game together?  Mom and dad, do your kids even know how to play hopscotch or jump

double-dutch?  For those of you thinking, my kids are too big for that, you won’t know

until you draw that chalk outline or count how long you were able to keep hopping in

rhythm inside those twisting ropes.  Those are just a couple of suggestions.  A few other

ideas may be to: look around town for local activities – take a ride to see the Christmas

lights, support the local athletic teams in their Holiday tournaments, create a family

newsletter for out of town family members (allow your kids to write their own section),

take your own family pictures, start a family athletic event for Christmas Day, have

a neighborhood “no-more-turkey” barbecue, have your whole family volunteer at a

The list of activities can go on and on.  But, it starts with someone in the house

(doesn’t always have to be the parents – just a good salesman) deciding that this is the

year that WE do something different.  From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, make it your

focus to give the gift of giving.  Recognize that the Holiday season is a special time of

year for everyone.  Special group memories, private moments, simple cards and long

letters all add to the mystical magic of the Holiday Season.  When we encounter people

with a negative view of this time of the year, smile for them anyway.  Wish the best for

them through this season.  The joy of this season is not reserved for or assigned to any

group.  The Christmas Joy is not based on age, gender, wealth, poverty, religious beliefs

or racial breakdown.  For those who fret about getting and giving things this Christmas,

remember that Hugs & Smiles are excellent (free) gifts to give or receive, wrapping

paper and gift bags not required.  Be Young! Have Fun!  Happy New Year!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian.  His viewpoint is based on
personal, classroom and volunteer experiences.  Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

Ready, Set, Play - YW 05-13

Young World - May 2013

“Ready, Set, Play”

     There once was a time when the approaching summer meant that every driver on the road

had to keep a watchful eye for kids playing out in the streets. Summertime meant that there

would be doubleheader football games that lasted most of the day and trips to the pool that ended

when the lifeguards blew their whistles. Where did those summers go? Why is summer getting

shorter, and why are there fewer kids outside playing?

     Some would say it's because today's kids are lazier than previous generations. Others will

speak a convincing argument that video games have caused the end of childhood as we knew it.

But I have a slightly different perspective.

     I grew up in that first era of video games, back when the home video game system

was brand new, and we could actually go to the arcade to play video games. Most of the kids

in my neighborhood had some version of a game system. There were several -- Atari 2600,

ColecoVision, Intellivision, Nintendo, etc. However, none of these systems could compare to

hand-to-hand combat. Nor could they hold quite the lure of straight up one-on-one competition

with a friend. Many of the outside games we played as kids were either completely made up

or a "Congress Drive" version of an old favorite. But the best games we ever played usually

involved a mom or dad from our neighborhood. When the adults from our neighborhood took

time to play a game with us, the game took on a whole new meaning.

     If the games were based on strategy or strength, like War, Hide and Seek or SetBack, the parents

were usually on the winning team or won the game outright. But, if the games were based on

agility or speed, like Freeze Tag or The Obstacle Course, the kids usually were pretty successful.

At the time, we didn't realize how much we were gaining from the adults. There was much more

to it than an extra playmate on a summer afternoon.

     During those moments of play with the adults, we learned how to solve issues or disagreements

(and there were plenty) without someone getting mad and taking their ball home. We learned

how to fix the rules of the game so that they were fair to everybody and so that we all had a turn

at being the leader. We learned that, sometimes, it really doesn't matter who won the game.

I mention all of that because it was the adults in our neighborhood who taught us outside games

when we were much younger. I know that most of our games were locally owned because when

new kids moved to our neighborhood, they usually played the same games but with different

rules. The games we played outside were games taught to us by adults and older kids in the

neighborhood. Moms or dads taught kids how to throw a baseball or softball. Or, maybe kids

learned how to throw a football from an adult in the neighborhood. We yearned to play basketball

like the big kids while we watched in awe from the seesaws or the swings.

     We watched our parents when they played in the neighborhood softball games. During the high

school football games, there were always about 12-15 younger kids more interested in playing

their own football game at the grassy end of the football stadium.

Now, kids master athletic skills in camps and sports academies.

     Very recently, I was saddened by a seemingly normal young person who lacked the dexterity to

perform the simple task of a game of Hopscotch. How tragic. How many kids can't even jump

rope, either singularly or with someone turning the ends?

     My perspective on the lack of kids outside playing is more directly tied to the number of adults

who never venture outside with their kids.

     Outside is a bold new world to those young people bored with the same old video games and

movies. Grab an adult and get them to spend some time with you outside. Text or message

your friends and tell them to meet you outside for a game of Red Light, Green Light or play the

“Protect the President” version of Freeze Tag.

     And to the adults, I hear you groaning and complaining about the dangers awaiting kids outside.

Remember, that's why you should be outside with them. It's odd how we never had nearly as

many perverted things happening to kids years ago compared to now. Maybe it's because there

was always an adult around when we were outside. Parents please don't let your fears hold your

kids hostage in the house. And kids, please don't spend your summer as a slave to your electronic device.

I have to go now. My son is standing over my shoulder waiting on me. I promised him a rematch

on the basketball court. Be Young! Have Fun!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

It's A Mad, Mad March - YW 03-13

Young World – March 2013

“It’s A Mad, Mad, March”

     It is truly amazing how the young (and not-so-young) mind is driven by the “next

event”. Even though we are only midway through the Month of March, young people all

across the country are looking forward to Spring Break. Teachers are preparing for the

next test. Parents are pensively awaiting the next set of report cards. And, practically

the whole world is already making plans for the weekend ahead.

     While the world is flashing forward, who is concentrating on this present

moment? What will it take for our young minds to learn that the secret to improving

your future is maximizing your present (and presence)? How much can be gained by

really investing yourself in whatever is going on – right now? Imagine that – maximum

attention to your relationships, friendships, parents, siblings, job, classes, classwork –

you name it.

     How will total immersion in the right now change your understanding or increase

your knowledge? So much can be gained by being attentive to all that is occurring

around you right now. Give your mind to the moment and see what the moment will

give to your mind. All that is gained today will only be multiplied by what is available

to be gained tomorrow. Consider this; you probably started to read this article thinking

about what you plan to do next or maybe even what you will do tomorrow. If that

is correct, more than likely, you don’t even remember the title of this article. Quite

possibly, there are several segments of today that you have to work hard to remember;

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon.

     We want so much for the next “thing” to be GREAT. We want it to the point

we spend so much time thinking about the next thing, that we completely lose sight of

the present thing. What has your mind marching forward to the point of dismissing

present opportunities in pursuit of future possibilities? I truly look forward to what

my future holds, but I absolutely love what my right now presents. Immersing yourself

in current activities engages your mind, eyes and ears (sometimes even your hands &

feet). Even the youngest among us know that the best way to learn a skill or remember

a tidbit is to read it, hear it, see it demonstrated AND perform the task (repetitiously as

necessary).

     Why not give it a try?!? Starting with this moment, commit to being present and

engaged in the moment. Give it a “trial run”. For the next 10 days, focus your energy

and your mind on whatever the activity you are involved in. However, before you begin

your 10 Day Commitment, take a moment to look around you. In what condition are

your relationships, grades and other activities? To say that you will be committed for

the next 10 days means that you can’t sit in Homeroom, waiting to see your friends in

3rd period. The morning or afternoon announcements will not be a time to catch up on

your sleep or finish your homework. Being committed to the present moment for the

next 10 days means; you will actually LISTEN and THINK during that conversation with

your mom/dad/teacher/brother/sister/girlfriend/boyfriend (or spouse/supervisor/

co-worker for you parents reading this article). When your 10 Day Commitment

is complete, take a moment to look around you. Now, in what condition are your

relationships, grades and other activities?

     I would be extremely surprised if the things around you have not gotten better

than they were before. Engaging yourself in the present moment has an indescribable

effect. Not only will you begin to realize things that you may never have noticed before,

there will seem to be a greater ease with which tasks are accomplished. And, the

March Madness will be left on the basketball court. The Mad March to wherever may

possibly even become an enjoyable journey to your destination. Whether you commit

to being present for 1 day, 10 days or the next 6 months is all entirely your option. Life

is always about options and choices. Will you choose to miss out on the present looking

ahead to tomorrow? I remember being 6 years old, wanting so badly to be 9 like my

older brother. I remember attending summer birthday parties wishing my December

birthday would hurry up and come. I remember starting my freshman year of college so

intently focused on my college graduation. All of those days are long, long gone. Now,

I remember waking up this morning, wishing I could go back and live yesterday all over

again – not because of regret, but because I enjoyed it so much. Be Young! Have Fun!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

Queens Raise Kings - YW 03-2013

Young World – March 2013

“Queens Raise Kings”

      The 21st century family structure is more complex and diverse than anyone could

have ever imagined. The standard image of mom, dad and 2.25 kids is fleeting and

nearly non-existent. Instead, the more common image is that of 2.25 parents for every

family. Step-parents, live-in “friends” of single parents, grandparents serving as parents,

foster parents, “uncle daddy”, “auntie momma” and 17-year old high school students

who live on their own all contribute to the varied visualization that we know today as

"The Family".

     Earlier Young World columns have made mention of the value of the family. The

most recent articles particularly focused on dad’s role in child development; but what

about the scenarios where dad is invisible, unavailable or absolutely unworthy? Whether

he is in the house or out of the picture, an absentee father necessitates a super-strong

mother. Of great concern in this picture is the little boy who must now learn how to be a

man from his mother. Many will say that “A woman can’t teach a boy to be a man”, and I

agree. That however, is a very different statement from “a woman can’t raise a boy to be

a man”. I believe the latter to be absolutely false. As a matter of fact, I personally contradict

that statement.

     I am the product of a single-parent household. My brother, sister and I were

raised by my mother who worked rotating shifts in a manufacturing environment to

keep us fed, warm and clothed. I dare not say that our life was easy or that we were well-

off. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite was true. We lived as minimally as possible,

but there was always love. In all honesty, it is in retrospect (looking back at my youth)

that I realize how little we actually had. I guess I was blessed in that I was poor and

didn't really know it.

     I thank my mother for that. My father’s absence did not mean that there was a

lack of discipline. My mother didn’t go out of her way to give us material things out of

guilt that dad was not in the house. But there again, this was over 30 years ago. Today’s

single mothers work hard to shower kids with material things; designer clothes, $120

sneakers, video games, expensive cell phones and music devices.

     My question is, “Why?” Mom, what is it you hope to teach your son by giving him

all that he asks for, despite the sacrifice you have to make when he is willing to sacrifice

nothing? Son do you, for a moment, think about what your mother endures to provide

for you?

     It is every mother’s dream to raise a son who achieves great things and brings

honor to his family name. By the same token, it is every son’s dream to make his mother

burst with pride at the accomplishments of her baby boy. One quick glance can easily

confirm this. Mothers scrutinize and interrogate young ladies before giving the “thumbs

up” or “thumbs down” about any type of relationship with their sons; we won’t even get

into the exercises necessary to be considered as a daughter-in-law. Sideline cameras and

post-game interviews record millions of sound-bytes from men and boys who give

“shout outs” to mama during the big game or after a good competition.

     Mothers wield an un-explainable captivity over their little boys, similar to the

un-explainable relationship between the moon and the ocean. They are connected by

unseen ties. Over time, those ties become stronger or weaker based on the severity of

the pull in opposite directions. Moms may develop stronger relationships with careers,

deeper bonds with new husbands, become more emotionally attached to friends or other

children. Sons may be drawn into sports, new social circles, teen scenes (where parents

aren’t invited) or relationships. Any one of these pulls on either end can upset the lunar/

emotional balance between mother and son. Family chaos is certain when any number

of these distractions occur simultaneously.

     I acknowledge all that mothers (single, married or other) do in the development

of dependent little boys into strong confident men. And, to the “SuperMom” trying to be

both father and mother, I invite you to take off your cape. Your motherly instincts will

let you know when & who to turn to for help in raising your son. It is okay to rule your

house with an iron fist, but only IF you also rule with a heart as big as Texas. If you

desire to raise your young prince to be a great king, you must first be the Queen of your

home – not just by title, but by the respect your very presence commands. Live with

honor, work with pride, love with all of your heart. Show your son what each of these

character traits mean. Explain it so that it is abundantly clear. And if at any time he

forgets what they mean, he needs only to look at the way you live your life as a reminder.

     To the young man reading this article hoping that one day dad is going to come

back home, I urge you not to look through your mom while you are looking at the front

door. There most certainly are things that your mother can help you through if you only

trust her. And, as much as he pretends to know, dad will never be able to help you

understand how women think. The bible tells children to “Honor thy mother and father

that your days may be long upon the earth”. The “long days” involves more than physical

days of life, but also the legacy you leave behind. The court jester is only worthy of

discussion while he is entertaining. However, the young prince who becomes a great

King leaves much to be spoken of. Son, hear your mothers words, know her expectations

for you and work to never disappoint her.

     Langston Hughes’ words in the poem “Mother To Son” always seem to leap off

the page at me because it feels like he was writing about me years before my birth. I

need only to look within myself and think back from whence I have come to realize that

I owe my mother a HUGE debt of gratitude and never-ending hugs & kisses. I thank her

daily in my prayers, but probably not often enough with my mouth. As a matter of fact,

I think I’ll call her now to tell her I that I Love Her!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

Men To Boys - YW 02-13

Young World - February 2013

Men To Boys

     November 4th, 2008 and January 20, 2009 are days that will forever be remembered as moments

that redefined the meaning of manhood and perseverance. One man’s vision changed the image and

perception of every man. That vision was also an instrumental step toward changing images and

perceptions for every man. Men who were previously mired in defeat now begin to feel

motivated and inspired. Young men who had already begun to feel hopeless and worthless were

instantly empowered with new inner strength. Supporters and non-supporters alike cannot deny the

impact of President Obama’s election and inauguration (1st and 2nd).  His persistence is electrifying

and empowering.

      Following the November elections, young men and little boys walked a little bit taller and felt a

whole lot better about themselves. Having witnessed this phenomenon, my mind drifted to the millions

of little boys and young men whose present circumstances would be vastly different if there had been a

prolific male figure in their lives – not a larger than life face delivering speeches on a TV screen, but an

actual “shake your hand on Sunday morning” type of presence; an “ask you how you did on your math

test” type of presence.

     In writing this article, I know that I may be viewed as self-serving or pushing a personal agenda,

but who cares?!? I am much more concerned with the state of young America than I am concerned with

how people may perceive my intent.

     Men who lead or mentor young men serve benefits that far outweigh or outlast the present day.

Untold benefits are reaped by simply caring enough to know the names of the young men who live on

your street, or those who sit on your pew. Why not attempt to get to know and mentor the male son(s)

of your single mother friends or co-workers. Just to clarify, I’m not suggesting that men should adopt or

“take-in” every boy who looks lost or acts a little different.

     What I am suggesting is that a phone call from or meaningful conversation with a respectable

male adult consistently over time will build respect and admiration. Through that respect and

admiration a mental model of manhood and adulthood gets formed. Young men very often model the

behavior of adults who either possess the things young men desire or who have achieved the things

young men aspire to accomplish. Unfortunately, over the last decade or so, those “heroes” or “role

models” have been people who are untouchable and unreachable. Our young men chase ghosts and

images. They attempt to emulate characters and personas who live in a world that is so extraordinarily

unlike the real world that envelopes anybody (young or old) not confident in their own ability or unsure

of their own identity.

     To the young men reading this article, I cannot help but to stress that real role models may

never appear on an episode of The Bachelor or may never headline a feature film. They may never win

a Grammy award or sell 1 million copies of anything. But, real role models will show up at your football

game or soccer match. Real role models know that there is a girl in your third period class that you are

absolutely crazy about, but have yet to approach. Real role models will teach you how to fix a flat tire,

tell you to open doors and pull out chairs for ladies and help you to pick the best college for you. Role

models and mentors are valuable resources. They very often see in us, what we are unable to see in

ourselves. The guidance and direction that a mentor provides may be the difference in enrolling in an

educational institution or serving time in a correctional institution.

     To the men reading this article, to you I feel the need to stress the magnitude of what is at

stake. Every year, millions of young men make tremendous thinking errors and commit mistakes that

cost them their future. It is absolutely tragic to imagine that at 16 or 17 years old, you believe that the

best of your life is now and the rest of your life is downhill. Without knowing that there are options,

young people make decisions based on the few options that they believe are available. To mentor or

influence a young man is to make him aware of all that the world has to offer. It does not mean that

you have to GIVE him the world. In Education, there is a proverb that reads, “Students don’t care how

much you know, until they know how much you Care!” That statement is especially true when

attempting to mentor young men. There will be culture clashes. There will be differences of opinions.

There will be ideological incongruence. The final destination of Manhood is of considerably greater

importance than any “traffic mishap” experienced along the way.

      I implore every reader to take a casual look at the boys and young men you interact with this

week. At a glance, it becomes painfully obvious that many men in our society have forfeited their roles

of father, daddy, uncle and grandpa. We have instead traded in those roles for that of homey, friend,

dawg and that unfamiliar role where kids call their dad by his first name. As men, we have been given

an uncomfortable role and extremely high expectation. The family is built on our shoulders. Let every

man examine his own heart and think back to his own past. Remember the men who were involved in

your life that helped you become the man you are today. Or, remember the men who never gave you

the time of day and left you to become the man that you wish you were not.

     A new year is upon us. A new day is dawning and the need for strong, intelligent men is ever-increasing.

To every k4 – 5th grader I ask, "Who are the men you most admire and want to be like?" To every

6th - 12th grader I ask, "What are you doing right now to help you get to where you want to be?"  To

every man out of high school I ask, "In your race to achieve Manhood, to whom have you extended an

uplifting hand?" Be Young! Have Fun!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

A Senior Moment - YW 01-13

Young World - January 2013

“A Senior Moment” 

     Most people would not expect to see the phrase “Senior Moment” in a column

focused on young people. We have come to associate the phrase with temporary lapses

in memory or judgment. If the title of this article caught your attention hoping to be

amused by an anecdotal reference to me embarrassing myself because I momentarily

lost my mind, it’s not going to happen - not that I haven’t ever or will never lose my

mind (temporary or otherwise). I’m just not writing about it in this column.

This column is dedicated to High School Seniors all over the world. If you know a

twelfth-grader, make sure they read this article. If you know someone who knows a high

school senior, give them a copy. I’m sure you’re asking yourself “What makes this article so special?"

     Seniors across America are switching gears for high school graduation. While

some are gearing up, unfortunately, others are gearing down. This column is a call to

preparation. It is a call to resolution. It may also be your call to re-dedication. At this point in the 12th

and final year of high school, students find themselves in one of five categories:

1. Already accepted into college

2. Awaiting responses from college applications

3. 'Fixin' to apply to college

4. Not really sure if they want to go to college

5. Absolutely NOT going to college

     For those seniors in category 1 or 2, you are well on your way. All that remains

for you is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to

apply for as many scholarships as possible (apply like three weeks ago). If you choose

not to apply for scholarships because you consider the essays too difficult or too time

consuming, oh well – It’s only money!

     For those seniors wavering in categories 3 & 4, accept this as your call to

action. Starting today, several decisions need to be made. Please do not let another

day pass without giving careful thought to your plans beyond high school. Consider

your interests. Pick a career based on the things you like to do. If that career requires

education beyond high school, then take the courses necessary to eventually earn money

doing something you actually like (parents, imagine that)! Making that decision is the

first step in determining whether or not college is the next logical step for you. If your

thoughts and plans lead you to college, make sure you apply early enough to also be

considered for scholarships, grants and other awards that you don’t have to pay back. In

order to receive these awards, you must apply early. It is not too late, YET. But too late

is just a couple of weeks away. Apply early!!!

     Every year millions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed or get rewarded to students

who were not in the top 30% academically of their graduating class.  Scholarship funds can

come from many unexpected sources. Do not let fear or laziness cost you the opportunity

to earn thousands in scholarship dollars.  For some students in Category 5, it is not a poor

decision or misinformation steering you away from college. Many students are fully aware

of their career interest and recognize that college is not a necessary step in pursuing that

career. If this truly is the case, I applaud your dedication. I also applaud your ability to follow

your interests and your efforts to make your dream a reality. To you I say, “Keep reaching for the

stars”.

     To others in category 5 who have made the decision not to go to college simply because

they didn’t like high school, please read this article again! And again!  Whatever your present

category, the most important step you can take right now is to make an informed decision.

Know why you want to go to that school. Know why you plan to pursue that major. Know

why you’re going to work there. Proverbial words from the Bible say, “In all thy getting, get

understanding.” Discuss your plans with someone who can help you get a clear understanding

and help you make the right steps toward achieving your goal.

     One final word of caution is: Do not yield to the temptation of Senioritis, Senior Letdown or

Senior Privilege (some just call it Senior Laziness). Colleges are issuing conditional acceptance

letters, with the final acceptance pending an official transcript to include your entire senior year.

Continue in your hard work. As a high school senior, it is okay to enjoy a moment. However,

please don’t let the entire Spring semester become your Senior Moment. At some point you

will notice that the harder you work, the luckier you seem to get. Be Young! Have Fun!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on 
personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues 
to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.

His Story - YW 12-13

Young World - January 2013

His Story

     On January 21, 2013, the whole world paused to watch and listen as historic

moments were written into tomorrow’s history books. As if scripted for a television

series, President Barack Obama took the Presidential Oath of Office on the Martin

Luther King, Junior holiday. The irony of the moment is not lost on those who fought

so hard for so long to gain equal consideration in all areas of society. On the same mall

where folks were showered by the prophetic declarations of Dr. King, millions stood to

capture that moment in time.

    In reading President Obama’s books about his life, you quickly get the sense that

the kid named Barry Obama was not born into high society; nor was he raised to be

the supreme ruler of anything. He was an ordinary kid born to an interracial couple.

Just as many of the youth in our community struggle with issues today, Barry Obama

struggled with identity issues, “broken” family issues, family financial issues and a

whole host of other issues that continue to plague young people all over the world.

     Through all of the issues, young Barry Obama learned early the value of

education. Through the insistence and assistance of his mother, he studied long and

hard through school, played sports and made good grades. As he began to choose his

path in life, he knew that education would be essential for him to reach his goals. For

all of his hard work in elementary, middle and high school, Barry Obama found himself

pursuing a Law Degree at one of the most prestigious schools in the US. The years of

hard work in grade school were practice for the hard work and long hours necessary to

finish law school. The President we see on television today is the result of a series of

hard-fought battles over a long period of time. During any one of those battles, young

Barry Obama could have given up. He could simply have been satisfied with doing just

well enough. Or, he could have set his aspirations so low that it would not have required

half of the work or discipline.

     Because Barry Obama, the boy, pursued excellence back then, we give deference

to President Barack H. Obama now. This is his story. What chapters are you writing

in your story? At some point in the future, you will look back over the patterns, habits

and efforts of your youth and they will lead you to the measure of success that you have

achieved. To put it in different terms, the way you do what you do right now, is a pretty

good measure of how you will do what you do during your adult years. I hope the road

you are paving with today's efforts will sustain and support tomorrow’s travels.

     Each of us will have a story to tell. Or rather, each of us will have our story told.

The measure of success, happiness, riches or rewards is not in how much money you

have or things you accumulate. The true story of each man or woman will be in how

much we change the world around us, rather than how much we were changed by the

world. I like to think that I write good things in the story of my life by helping young

people every day. I pray that somewhere ages and ages hence, someone will smile when

they talk about my life and say, “That was His Story”!

     Begin your legacy today in the hopes of having a better tomorrow! Be Young! Have Fun!


Columnist Chris Dinkins is an educator and native South Carolinian. His viewpoint is based on 
personal, classroom and volunteer experiences. Send questions and comments about youth related issues 
to him at youngworld.scarolina@gmail.com.