Conversations With My Son

While watching a National Geographic documentary about the Northern Plains - the American Serengetti, Gavin has all kinds of questions about what the biologists are doing to the animals. "What are tranquilizer guns?" "What is research?" "What does 'collecting data' mean?"

I explain that the biologists are not hurting the animals, just temporarily capturing them to attach tracking devices, etc. 

"So they just help the animals?"

"Yes, by studying them. If the biologist understands an ecosystem, they can begin to build a plan to preserver it or rebuild it." 

"I want to be a biologist when I grow up!"

"You can!" I tell him.

Several hours later, as we were running errands, he tells me:

"Mom, are we going to get my soccer shoes today?"

I say, "Yes, we're going to try."

"Soccer shoes are fun," he tells me. "And soccer is fun. I'll probably play soccer my entire life."

"I think you may be right," I agree in happy enthusiasm.

"Actually," he continues, "When I grow up, I wan to play soccer and then be a soldier."

"A soldier?"

"Yeah."

"What kind of soldier?" I ask. "Will you be be in the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines?"

"Which kind fly the jets?"

"The Navy and the Air Force."

"I want to be in the Air Force."

In less than 24 hours, Gavin has decided on three separate career choices - soccer, Biology, and the military. He assures me that college comes first. I told him that perhaps his plan could be to use soccer to pay for college, he could earn a scholarship if he practices. Then, he could study biology while in college, and upon graduation enlist in the military as an officer.

His response was, "Mom, it's not that I can go to college. I have to college. Not can, [but] have."

I like the way this kid thinks.