The future looks bright
It’s easy to get cynical about the future. It’s not unique, as we can probably all recall earlier generations denouncing the quality of life that will be brought on by “modern” products and proposals, such as… cell phones, sewer and garbage collection systems, computers, disposable diapers, TV remotes, women working outside their home, gas powered vehicles, etc.
It helps to fight that generational cynicism by getting to know what our future generations are doing. On this end, we see hardworking, forward thinking, and kind individuals who are setting goals and achieving them and seeing needs in the community and filling them. We try to feature them in stories and coverage of their academic and sports activities.
Today, we feature another example that inspires hope for the future.
Tim Gerlach, ACC AmeriCorps Member serving at Koochiching County, helped us tell one of those stories, and told about his encounter with local young people. “Smart, mature, kind, patient…it gives one hope for the future,” he said.
The students are in the Generation-to-Generation (G2G) Club and helped at a computer event at West Falls Estates. They delivered refurbished computers, determined Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) eligibility for internet service, and assisting with general tech questions and needs.
“By now, you understand this is about more than computers,” Gerlach told students and their parents in an email. “Some folks you met today are alone or lonely. Some have physical and other limitations. Some may have been challenging. Each of you exhibited compassion, kindness, and patience throughout … I could not be more proud of you…. You did great! We were unsure what to expect, but you rolled with it.”
Thanks to these young people and all the others that will someday lead our community and others. And thanks to folks like Gerlach, who mentor our youth while at the same time doing an important job to connect people with internet access.