Project Lead the Way

When Cameron was old enough to start rationalizing, he started looking at how things are put together, how to take things apart, and what exactly makes things run. Pher was never that inquisitive. He took for granted that his toys worked. Cameron wanted to know and explore the How's and Why's of his toys working.

Last night was Freshman orientation at Carroll High School. Cameron has gone back and forth on what he wants to be "when he grows up." Freshman year is time to get serious. He needs to start taking classes that will be the foundation for his college education. We walked through the different exhibits, and Cameron grabbed information pamphlets, but didn't ask any questions... until we got to Project Lead the Way.

Project Lead the Way is an academic program for high school students to study engineering. He was very interested in the displays that the teachers had on tables. All of the exhibits were designed, built, and tested by the students. The curriculum teaches how to be successful with all of these tasks.

Cameron started talking to one of the teachers. The man told Cameron about the program. I stood off to the side. This is Cameron's gig not mine. He needs to make choices regarding his class selections. We are around to guide him. So, the teacher was telling Cameron about the program. Cameron was nodding and listening attentively. Then he stated with much assertiveness, "I have an interest in Chemical Engineering." The teacher nodded and smiled. He then replied, "Understand this, there are Engineers, and they are really smart. Then there are Chemical Engineers, and they are WAY OUT THERE smart." Cameron smiled his beautiful smile, nodded his head in acknowledgement, shrugged his shoulders and then stated, "No problem."

That's my boy. Oh, and on the way home he told me he wants to go to Purdue because "ALL OF HIS FRIENDS" are planning to go to Purdue. I'm not going to push Rose-Hulman... yet.