Celebrating Passion – Jordan Romero
I’ve been reading a lot about Jordon Romero, the 13 year old from Big Bear, California who just became the youngest person to ever summit Mt. Everest. He is one peak away from indisputable conquering the highest peak on each of the seven continents, also called the Seven Summits. He was inspired to attempt the Seven Summits, it is reported, by a painting in the hallway of his school showing the peaks.
In almost every article I have read, there have been doubts raised as to whether or not he should have been allowed to climb. Some commenters even go so far as to suggest negligence or even abuse on behalf of the parents!
I say this: The boy has a dream and he has done everything possible to realize that dream. His parents have done whatever they can to support that dream and to mitigate (but not eliminate) potential dangers.
As teachers, we should be celebrating the achievements of this tremendously motivated young man (and also Jessica Watson, the 16 year old Australian who just finished a solo circumnavigation!). It is this sort of passion that we hope to see and cultivate in our students.
I wonder what Jordan’s and Jessica’s teachers think? Does it matter that they missed that math test? Does what they missed in class even compare to what they’ve learned outside of it?
Image: ‘Everest/Chomolungma and Nuptse‘ by apurdam (Andrew) (CC BY NC ND)
I am unarguably impressed by the amazing things that young people can accomplish and achieve and I feel strongly that we should be encouraging all of our students (and colleagues, families, friends etc.) to set goals and to achieve them but I feel somewhat dismayed at the other factors that must be considered into these particular goals. It makes me uneasy when I think about the sheer cost involved (money as well as effort and sacrifice made by those who are goal setting as well as their parents and others who have to pay for these trips). I also shudder when I see other young people who are not as successful and have to be bailed out by emergency services. I am not sure that they are ready for such trips and adventures at such a young age; should we be grooming them to prepare and set off for such amazing trips when they are a bit older and have had time to be scared a bit (not be so sure that they are invincible – which of course kids think they are at this age?) and to make back-up plans? Or should we be supporting their expensive trips and then rewarding them with million dollar deals when they are done? (was that the point anyway I wonder?)