For the past 8 years I have been a banker for the Teen Maze sponsored
by the Mitchell County Children and Youth.
I stand behind my designated table with anticipation waiting as the 8th
graders from all over Mitchell County to come to the bank to borrow money. Students are given life scenarios and
presented with life situations based on decisions. Some involve the need to
borrow money.
My routine for the past 8 years has been to ask the student,
“why do you need to borrow money and how do you plan to pay me back”. After
some discussion, finding a job seems to be the logical answer. I also give the student a “credit application”
which follows with me stating “this is a promise that you will pay me back”. I then extend my hand, and ask the student to
shake on it. I also explain that their credit is a form of “Character”. I
remind them they are agreeing to pay the bank back, and I trust them to do what
they say they will do.
While my portion of the learning experience is over when the
students leave the bank, I have witnessed students continuing through the Maze. Some step on the stage to receive their high
school diploma and I have even witnessed some going to jail and on occasion a
few have actually looked at their reflection in a mirror placed inside a coffin.
However, this year I was totally blown away by the return of
a PCMS student. As the Teen Maze ended and all the students were leaving, I
noticed a big teddy bear looking young man approaching me. I immediately said, “Do you need more money?
to which he replied No’Mam, I became successful and I am here to keep my
promise and pay you back”. My mouth
dropped, I just wanted to hug him. This truly was a first! Now, I can’t tell you what prompted this 8th
grader to come back and do the right thing.
Was this character taught at home or at school? Did I or one of the
other presenters say something that made a lasting impression or maybe it was a
culmination of many things? Whatever it
was gave me a renewed hope in this generation and even a little pep in my
step.
Yep, I’m ready for next year…Bring
It On!
