The Grumpy Side of 60
The time of my life
By Bob Robinson 

If I were having any more fun there would be two of me. 

Not sure I understand exactly what that means but I’ve heard it often enough by people having a good time, so I guess it fits. 

I was on assignment for the Early Bird when I attended Greenville High School’s Senior Awards Program, Pursue Excellence. More than 40 members of the Class of 2013 hit the steps – some several times – to go on stage for recognition and a scholarship award for their accomplishments. 

I was amazed at the number of students I knew – over a quarter of them… I’d worked with them in Key Club, taught them in my post-secondary Edison classes, or just knew them from my sub time at the high school. 

One student blew me away… Erica Waller, a member of Key Club and the Class of 2013’s Valedictorian, graduated with a GPA over FIVE!! For those of you who don’t know, a straight A average is 4.0. She got her A’s in “weighted” courses. 

Another student, Tara Guillozet, bounced up on the stage her share of times. She was in my Public Speaking class. I’m a grumpy old man with 68 years of life under his belt and it is hard for these kids to throw me a curve or “knock my socks off” with their speeches. 

Tara did it twice. 

Each grade level has had its singular “modus operandi” or method of operating in their particular age group. Fifth and sixth graders tend to be reserved while junior high students tend to open up more to the occasional “sub.” 

One young lady asked me at Beggar’s Night last year which building was my favorite. Since I had no clue who she was (excellent costume), I took a stab at it and said “East?” 

Her frown told me I blew it. “South?” Huge grin followed by a “high five.” 

I guess she was a South student. 

I got to know a junior high student pretty well last year. We talked a couple times at lunch about why he was always getting into trouble. The details aren’t necessary. By the time we headed for our respective classes I’d gotten him to promise to keep his head on straight, not for me but for himself. 

After that, every time I saw him I asked how he was doing. “Fine. No trouble,” he said, grinning. When I asked his teachers, they agreed. They were pleased. 

I was ecstatic. 

I have to admit though, my biggest challenges (and usually the most fun) were at East (third and fourth graders) and Woodland Heights (K-2). 

Field trips, field days, hugs, little ones hanging onto you and an openness and sheer joy in life that if we could ever manage to hang onto it into our adult years, the world would be a helluva lot better place. Well maybe… 

Only a kindergartner would think of telling a 68-year-old man she was going to marry him when she got big. 

She didn’t care that I was already married. “That’s okay. I can wait,” she said. 

Like anyone else, I had my favorite classes and favorite students over the past two years. But they are all precious. They are a sheer joy. A volunteer opportunity I highly recommend for anyone, especially grumpy old people. I wouldn’t have gotten to know them if it weren’t for the adults – in all buildings – who were so supportive, especially when I was a newbie who didn’t have a clue what he was doing. 

To each and every one of you – teachers, administrators, subs and volunteers – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to you and your charges, I had the time of my life!