May 22

Written by: Kayak Attack
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 8:04 PM

Over the last few years I have found the term "Teacher" to mean an occupation rather than that hallowed term of educator, the person whom I trust with the care, custody, and control of our children for more hours of the day than we ourselves see them. But this year, our son Rob has several Teachers who truly live up to the title. Frank Geske, Ken Harms, Rich Hanson, John Weber

In August, Rob was offered the opportunity to train under Josh Matsell, basically as an apprentice. “One step back, one to the left, shut up and learn, act professional and be professional in every portion of your life ” is what I told Rob. Josh offered his only day off from a busy real estate brokerage to paddle with Rob then added that he would leave early on Tuesdays as well.

After initially offering to allow Rob to attend training, the school said that kayaking was not a good enough reason to leave school early or to allow make-up work, nor that teachers would have to accept late work or make up tests. BUT to these Teachers My son and his future were good enough. They have allowed Rob to attend countless runs and training as well as the events and trips needed to fuel his career and his drive to succeed.

Adding a lot of work to what is already overwhelming for them, they have allowed him to test early or late depending on his schedule, to miss classes as long as his work was in and his quizzes show he is learning. In science, he has even been met an hour before school starts to make up labs. All of this extra effort on their part, in order to help my son.

Most every parent or adult has heard their teen say at some point, “why bother ?“ or “why should I?“. Kayaking has become Rob’s REASON and these men went above and beyond to help him realize that reason and help build the man he is becoming with that motivation. Today When I ask him his goals, instead of “whatever”, he stands tall and says…

“I want to be a professional. “ he says

"A Professional Kayaker?" I ask

“yes, that too … “ he responds

Thank you gentlemen! You've given us back our son.

Robert Virostek Sr.

©2007 Kayak Attack

Tags: