(no subject)

[nny]

I've been thinking about work a lot lately.

The problem we seem to have more than any other is low aspirations. What I'd like to do is start a kind of... dream development club. A little time set aside to listen to kids, to listen to what they'd do in their wildest dreams, and show them routes that could take them there if they put the work in.

Like, researching local clubs that build the required skills; helping them research what further education is needed; helping them to put together a savings plan so they can contribute towards theatre school, whatever it is that they want to achieve. Allowing them to start to see a path - allowing them to see that a path is actually possible in a way that's not, like, X-Factor or whatever.

I had a kid I was talking to - he's 11 years old and he wants to be an American footballer. And that's it, that's all he's thought about it, which is totally valid for his age of course. But I spent ten minutes with him, we researched, found a local club, emailed to ask what age they start training and what exercise and skills he can develop until he's at an age to join. It was the smallest thing, but he seriously was so enthused by it.

The area we're in, a lot of the parents don't have the experience to be able to offer this kind of support. I mean, I don't necessarily, but I'm reasonably good at research at least.

I dunno. I'll talk to my friend who runs extension & achievement, see if it's a feasible thing.

Comments

[vivien]

That's a great idea. Here we have a similar-ish kind of organization - Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Adult mentors are matched with kids who need them, which may be more investment than what you're thinking, but could be a model.

Do it! Little actions like this can start an avalanche of amazing!!!

[uninvitedcat]

That's a fantastic idea! I hope you can get it off the ground...

[lou]

that sounds so awesome.

and being that I am a football mom (American football, not soccer), I have heart eyes that you'd help this little kid find his way to a team.

My son started when he was 11 years old too. There was a club at his grade school, and the rest followed. He's now 17 and playing college div 1 (best possible here in Quebec where I live, *score!*, I talk about him a lot in my 'future sports star' tag, lol!) and aim to play University in a couple of years (there is a distinction here). I'm very proud of him, and I've been there for him, but I've seen a lot of kids with talent where the family didn't care or take the time to support them and you could make a difference, I am sure. :)

[nny]

I think that would be an absolutely amazing thing to aspire to, definitely! At the moment my time and power are rather limited, just thinking about the logistics makes my brain hurt, so it's something I'd have to do on a small scale, but it's such a great program.

<3 Thanks for the support, sweetness.

[nny]

Me too! I'll see who I can persuade to support me at school. :D

[nny]

I'm from the UK, so I have no idea what possible career path is available for him within American football - it's something I definitely going to have to do more research on.

Congratulations on your son's success, that's awesome! :D

[catwalksalone]

That's such a great idea. There's so much RA RA YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT without backing that up with anything practical. That or complete apathy. Neither of these are particularly helpful attitudes. I hope you can work out how to do something within the confines of your environment. Definitely tell us about it if you do!

[naye]

That's such a great thing to do! It made a huge difference in my life - but I had to wait until I was past 20 for anyone to sit down we me and go "here's what you can do to get somewhere you want to be". Until then, I just assumed life would kind of happen...? (Not that my parents were neglectful, but I was so good in school and good at everything that I don't think the confusion about HOW DO I LIFE?! came through.)