My Son Sean

Is very tired, and he wants to go to bed but he can't because he's doing his math homework.

I asked him for a blog topic; those are his exact words.

I am incredibly impressed and proud of my son Sean. As a sophomore in high school, he is in his fifth year of advanced placement math. To remain in this program, he has maintained a high 80s/low 90s average for the course, and high honor role status overall.

This year, he will complete the regents math requirement. Next year he will be eligible to take college-level math for credit.

We think, in preparation for college-level math, the math teach has significantly altered teaching tactics, perhaps teaching a bit more like a college course. Many students in his course have faltered this year as a result; some have opted out of the advanced placement math program.

Sean, too, struggled initially, bringing home his first ever grade that showed the struggle. He was discouraged by this, understandably.

But we talked to him about changing study strategies. And we talked to him about life, and how you can't just quit when something gets hard, you need to give it your best. Despite our encouragement and words of wisdom, we weren't sure what he would decide.

He persevered and has turned the grade around! WOW! That took guts, courage, strength of character, and smarts!

He's a lot more disciplined than I ever was. And a lot smarter, too.

Excellent job, Sean! Keep up the great work!