The inspiration for this intel developed via association and visits to an after-school program for young men at my son's high school; sponsored by an organization called "Mothers Raising Sons" ~ the organization sponsor claims to be sole proprietor. My son asked his father and me if he could participate in the after-school program around the beginning of the school year and we both agreed, based on his sharing activities like mentors, speakers, socials ... Without hesitation, his father and I gave our blessing and thought no more of it. Our son, is an overall decent, self-motivating young man; he attended group meetings in timeframes between school dismissal and evening marching band practice.
Several weeks ago, he severely injured his knee [I suspect horse playing] and was confined to a wheelchair until earlier this week; he has been upgraded to crutches and starts therapy ~ next month.
Since his injury, he has been participating more in the program than with the marching band, after school.
I decided to check in on him during his first day on crutches, after 5:00pm; I thought 10-hours on crutches was a big initial stretch from wheelchair confinement, so I visited the school unannounced.
Upon arrival to their designated meeting room, there was only an instructor, who redirected me to the computer room. I arrived and was impressed with the number of young men participating ~ yes ~~ computers was the "drawing carrot" ~ none-the-less, I was impressed with them having guy time; the presence of two adults (male coach and female programs sponsor); however, many of the fellas were in violation of computer room use (they were not suppose to be playing video games). I was drafted to drive the next evening to a school of graphics, fashions and commercial marketing. They had a scheduled tour of the school, after 5pm.
NOTE: The sponsor called me outside of the room, informed that my son had volunteered me to drive; she flashed a couple of cards that I could not keep pertaining to the field trip, which gave me the impression the trip was going to be about game design from a company (not a technical college)
^^^ my son, would not volunteer me nor his father for anything without asking us first
Next day:
- arrived before school dismissed, in order to meet with his academic counselor and to check on the submission status of his make-up work from being absent due to his injury and to sign-up for an on-line study course
- took my son out to eat and return before the 5pm departure time.
This would be my son's first trip with the group; so naturally, I wanted him to go on the tour. I did not mind assisting because I could also observe if he was pushing himself too much on crutches. The wheelchair is sill available; however, abandoned since his upgrade to crutches.
I did not have to drive, I rode with my son, and the coach :-D
There was a good attendance of people in the reception lobby, food and refreshments. The tour was skated through; then cattled to a presentation room. The first presenter was as student and shared information about former students who went on to work on projects, and named several younsters are familiar with. She also mention, the extreem house makeover guy "Ty" was a former student. A second presenter shared her previous experience as a public school teacher; however, did not share she actually attended a program of study at the institution - my asumption, based on her presentation, was that she was either an admistrative person in academics or finance. After her presentation, another admin person asked for a show of hands of people who wanted to start the application process. A small group followed the admin out of the room.
Our group was taken to another room; that admin person slung post-paid cards out to the fellas, like a poker dealer ~ immediately instructed them to fill-in the cards or someone elses name and address who they felt would like to attend the school ~ I had to interject since the sponsor did not.
I expressed I was glad to be present and as a parent, reminded that some of the guys are not of age to make contracts; meaning, they should take the cards home and have a discussion with their parents. The cards had pre-paid postage; they can mail them in for more information, after they have shared information with their parents; or who ever will be financing their tuition.
The admin person seamed to be peeved and responded in short "that's it then"
~ she almost forgot to say thanks for visiting
~ failed to distribute infomation packets, held by tour guide
I am a DeVry-Alumnus (class of 1994); have made it my personal mission to gather information to give to the "sponsor" so the fellas can experience a tour through the the gaming program.
The next evening:
- I volunteered to sit-in on a session and learned they only meet three times a week
- my son had leadership assignments due
- the sponsored announced a trip to Egypt for a total cost of $2,000
- again, NO hand-outs, just a verbal announcement
After her announcement, I inquired if the guys knew they may need inoculations prior to traveling. Her response was, "Yes they will need a passport."
Being a Veteran, in which inoculations were routine in readiness to travel abroad if deployed, ~ again, I inquired about shots needed for the trip to Egypt.
Again, she was evasive so I deducted, that either she did not know or was feed up with my inquisitive nature.
Parents should always pay attention to verbal communication without written/printed documentation, pertaining to short trips, socials, travel, ....
I found a website that specifically addresses " The Healthy Traveler "
Highlights
Long-distance flight
* hydrate
* exercise
* sitting posture
Information and links
* vaccines
* preventive medications
Preference over the counter medication like aspirin, anti- diarrheic... how to pack liquid medications; list of medications and written doctor prescriptions...
Reviewing the need for Insurance and risk potential of political unrest in a travel destination.
There are travel sites that give great information for travel accommodations; however, keep in mind they are sales sites ~ compare offerings from several sites including government sponsored sites, to confirm and learn what you need to know as a traveler. Even experienced travelers can benefit from " The Healthy Traveler to refresh and get updated hints and safety tips in socializing after destinations arrival.
