John Sheda

Well, another school year is just about upon us. I graduated with the class of ’69 and soon we’ll be celebrating our 55th (Egad) class reunion. Ah, the days before the technological outburst that we see today. We actually used #2 pencils, real lined paper, black (not white) boards and it was an honor to be chosen to dust the erasers for your teacher on Friday afternoons. We really went to school from 8:15 until 3:20 and had to be in school ALL DAY LONG! And we even learned a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. And without the aid of Google. Oh, I googled for sure but it was more that I was “googling” at all the pretty girls. Or was that “ogling?” But we shan’t go there!!!

Here are twenty things I wished I had learned during my school years. Now, to be fair, most of these lessons probably aren’t the responsibility of teachers or the school system for that matter, but be that as it may be, here are some things all kids should learn along the way of their educational years:

*The value of family. Friends will come and go but year after year, your family will be there for you. At least they should be. Learn to love, respect and forgive family members. No one’s perfect!

*Learn the signs of a friend who is struggling with things. Intervene quickly. Take good care of friendships.

*Learn about taxes!! What they are; how to file; why we have them, etc….

*Credit Cards!!!! They have destroyed or at least damaged quite a few lives. If you don’t have the money, DON’T BUY IT!!!

*Learn how to unplug from social media as often as possible and discover the beautiful world around you.

*With that in mind, learn the value of working out, exercising, playing and enjoying life to the fullest….without doing harm to others.

*VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. This is the one place where we’re all equal. Each vote counts one!! What’s important to you? Then vote accordingly.

*Use your sense of humor……as often as possible. Laughing at yourself is good. Others do so you might as well join in!!

*You are precious, special, unique and important BUT you are not the center of the universe. Get over yourself.

*Figure out your spiritual life. I’ve always believed that we are three-part beings; spirit, soul & body. Nourish all three of them.

*Learn that people really don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care.

*Learn some basic handyman skills….“lefty-loosey; righty-tighty.”

*Learn to know about contracts! Don’t sign anything until you know what you’re signing. Ask for help if necessary.

*Learn to balance a checkbook. Am I the only person who still has one??

*Do you know how to change a tire? How about jumping a car that won’t start? Might be good to know.

*Learn how to stand up for someone that is being mistreated. Help someone who can’t help himself.

*Learn to be generous. Pay it forward. Stingy people are, well, stingy people.

*Learn how to apply, get and pay back a loan. Always understand the interest rate!

I left it at 18 because either that’s all my mind could conjure up or that I’m looking for you to fill in the other two. So what do you wish you’d have learned in school? Let me know at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640. Have a great week!