David Friedli

By the Dashboard Lights

08/07/08

Overachiever

In his opening address to teachers at Lyons Public School in the fall of 1981, superintendent Clinton Carr observed that successful teachers would often find themselves directing students far beyond what educators had themselves achieved.

Superintendent Carr meant no disrespect to the profession. The reality is that many young people have lofty goals that stretch far beyond a classroom.

My former students have found success in scientific research labs, hospital operating rooms, and petroleum refinery engineering offices.

They’ve served as congressional assistants, lawyers and investment bankers.

They are a long way from green chalkboards, rows of desks and stacks of mimeograph handouts.

I would recognize quickly another area where young would exceed my own achievements would be in athletics.

As a high school athlete, I was average at best. Any success I had came more from hard work than talent.

More than once, a failed coaching demonstration of technique was followed by my coaching caveat: “I know what to do, but my body won’t let me do it.”

This past weekend, my latest student became an overachiever.

He hasn’t reached his full potential yet, but he proved he might go much further than I have.

On a warm late summer evening, my thirteen year-old son beat me at golf.

It wasn’t unexpected. I could see it coming.

So could Bob, the club pro. Before each round he would encourage Calvin with this statement: “Today could be the day you beat your old man.”

A day earlier, a timely birdie on the final hole coupled with a bogey by my partner left us in a tie. A poor start including a huge score after an out of bounds put me in trouble both days.

Seeing the inevitable outcome looming on the scorecard as we pressed through the final holes, I had ample time to reflect on how we arrived at the momentous occasion.

Plastic golf clubs at age two. Instruction by Dad. Dozens of rounds of golf. New clubs. More golf outings. Better clubs…better clubs than I owned. Many more rounds.

Calvin’s goal has been to be a good golfer. My goal has been to help him enjoy the game.

At the end of the round, his enjoyment was evident. To mark the occasion, Pro Bob signed the historic scorecard.

Once again, the student has achieved his goal.