SQUASH
Prior to becoming the twentieth President
of the United States, James A. Garfield
served as the president of a small college
in his home state of Ohio.
One day a prominent businessman came
to Garfield's office and asked if his son
couldn't delete a few of the college's
required courses so he might graduate
in a shorter time, so he could get on
with life and making a living.
President Garfield studied his visitor
for a few moments and then said, "You
know when you plant an acorn, it takes
about a hundred years to grow a strong,
sturdy oak tree, but it only takes two
or three months to grow a squash."
Okay, my fellow students (in and out
of college) grow deep roots and maintain
sturdy ideals throughout your educational
pursuits.
Don't grow up to be a squishy squash.
(Written on September 5, 2014)