Dear readers,
It's graduation time in College Station again, as a record class of seniors prepare to graduate this weekend and go out into the world. This is the end of a tunnel that parents saved for, and kids anticipate almost as much as the parents.
For locals, graduation is sometimes a bit bitter-sweet. Yes, as permanent residents of the Brazos Valley there is no way we can do without the money that students and parents bring to Bryan and College Station. Texas A&M is the machine that makes our community go.
But more than that, we'll miss many of the kids that have graced our lives for four-plus years. I love college towns, and the students that keep them young. Their youth and enthusiasm, as well as naivety, bolsters my attitude toward life.
Ok. There are some things about youth that aren't exactly perfect. Like the cars and trucks that almost 50,000 Aggies bring to our community. I emphasize trucks. When I came to A&M in 1983 I drove my 4WD Bronco. I didn't really have a use for my horse-trailer pulling, get out of the mud vehicle anymore, but it was part of me. I swear there are at least 30,000 3/4-ton trucks in this town. And, maybe the kids don't take care of their yards that well.
Mostly, I love the kids for what they do with our family. You see, we have a twelve-year-old with Down Syndrome, and the students of Texas A&M boost his life daily. Project Sunshine is a national student organization that works to make the lives of children with disabilities as normal as possible. Quentin gets a buddy every year that spends hours with him, both as a peer model and a friend. The organization has at least one activity every month that gets the kids out of the house and school, and just allows them to have fun.
This year's group was great, and as we see the seniors leave town one by one, I can't help but be a bit selfishly sad. I'm not going to name names, because there are too many of them and I don't want to take a chance of leaving anyone out. Just know that you are deeply appreciated and will be missed terribly. We feel better knowing you are headed into the world and will have the opportunity to change other lives.
There is one other very special person in Quentin's life that I have to mention. Kristi has spent two days a week with Q for the last two years. I can't say enough good things about Kristi and her relationship with us. We'll get Kristi back for two more semesters in the fall before we lose her permanently. Next year at this time it will be very tough.
Finally, thanks to all of the Aggie parents that saved and worked to get their kids this far. Each of you have done an excellent job, and we know that without your love, patience and money, their graduation would not be possible.
So, go. Be careful, especially on the roads. Keep in mind the sacrifices that were made to get you where you are, and the deep appreciation the White family feels for the contribution you've made to our lives and the community.
Blue skies,
Sam White
MarketReports.SamWhiteRealty.com
979-589-4487
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