Page Content
Bob Draginda
Several years ago, when my son Nick was in Grade 6 or 7, he had to build a self-propelled car for his science class. The vehicle had to travel six feet powered by an elastic band.
The day before the project was due, Nick worked unsuccessfully on his contraption for a couple of hours after school. He asked his mother for help. She provided a few "useless suggestions" (Nick's words, not mine). Her motherly advice, "If at first you don't succeed . . . Just wait until your father gets home."
I wasn't much help either. When we were finished, the car looked like a giant wad of masking tape with Lego wheels. Suddenly I gained a newfound respect for scientists.
At 10:30 that night, I had a brilliant idea. We drove across town to grandpa's house for some expert help. My father and son worked in the garage for an hour before the car was finished. I suspect my father provided more help than simply expert advice.
My son didn't win the contest the next day, but he still remembers the evening he spent with his grandfather. The car is packed away with some of his other childhood treasures.
My son has many fine teachers--not all of them are at school.
Bob Draginda is principal of Ecole Rudolph Hennig School in Fort Saskatchewan.
