THE MESSAGE:
It is easy to begin with the declaration,"I could have been somebody". Everyone has regrets in their past. There is little or no reality in longing to return to those days and having the opportunity of a 'do-over'. Admittedly, it is a worthy wish. Sadly, it is not an option.
THE BLURB:
The year was 1960. Paul Pette had just completed a second year of his Grade 13 High School program. In fact, the year of study could have been completed in a single year. Allow me to explain further. In those days it was mandatory for acceptance into the University of Toronto, to complete a set of 9 exams that were drawn up by the Ontario Ministry of Education. In his first year, although having passed all of the departmental exams, his average was not high enough for acceptance into the University of Toronto. As a result he returned to grade 13 for a second go around.
He liked to pretend that the reason for his low average in first year Grade 13 could be attributed to the poor quality of teaching received throughout that year. Also his parents had travelled extensively for most of his first year and the house became the scene of a few parties, several late night excursions and homework-free sleepovers. Other excuses included the time spent at football practices and games, weekly movies and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dances every Sunday. There were nightly phone calls to girls and friends. One might sum up his first year in 3 words," would'a, could'a, should'a!" His Italian friends called him 'Meatball'.
He liked to pretend that the reason for his low average in first year Grade 13 could be attributed to the poor quality of teaching received throughout that year. Also his parents had travelled extensively for most of his first year and the house became the scene of a few parties, several late night excursions and homework-free sleepovers. Other excuses included the time spent at football practices and games, weekly movies and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dances every Sunday. There were nightly phone calls to girls and friends. One might sum up his first year in 3 words," would'a, could'a, should'a!" His Italian friends called him 'Meatball'.
 |
| POLPETTE |
In those days, at parties and dances, alcohol was never a part of the scene. His second year of High School was spent much the same as the first year had been. The difference being that he made the grades to get into St Michael's College at the U of Toronto.
Pette didn't have his first beer until his first year at University. Naturally the first beer was followed by several others throughout the two semesters. He spent most of his time in the student lounge playing bridge and leaping over sofa chairs placed back to back in order to entertain any onlookers. Another block of time was dedicated to compiling a list of the ugliest faces in Canada.
After 4pm, he usually joined a group of friends heading to the Chez Moi Tavern or the Bay Bloor Tavern for a few rounds of draft beer.
On Friday nights the gang headed west to the Concord Tavern to enjoy the great music of Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins over a night of beer and hooting.
 |
| NUMBER 1 |
 |
| NUMBER 2 |
 |
| NUMBER 3 |
After 4pm, he usually joined a group of friends heading to the Chez Moi Tavern or the Bay Bloor Tavern for a few rounds of draft beer.
On Friday nights the gang headed west to the Concord Tavern to enjoy the great music of Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins over a night of beer and hooting.
One by one, members of the old gang left to pursue their careers and fulfil their destiny. It was time to leave the lost boy behind and join the real world.
It all turned out ok. Pette graduated with a BA in Economics and grew out of his teen years. He got married, changed his name, became a father, became a teacher, earned a Masters degree, founded a business, became a grandfather and travelled the world with his wife of fifty some years. Who knew??
THE QUESTION:
Do mistakes made today have more disastrous consequences than those made in the past?
THE LEMON:
Awarded to all unmotivated students and lost boys.
THE QUOTE"
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson MandelaTHE CLIP:
1 comment:
I like this Pete guy.
Post a Comment