Sweat to Inspire

I have always had a negative imagine of bikers and the motorcycle culture. Growing up the son of a doctor, I was alway told to stay away from motorcycles. My father shared stories from the emergency room about how dangerous cycles can be. Never having first hand connections to bikers, I assumed the movie depictions of bikers as hooligans and degenerates were accurate.

Last week Griffin’s scout troop was asked to help out with a veterans ride sponsored by Wolverine Harley-Davidson in Clinton Township Michigan. At first I was uneasy. Not many scouts were signing up to help out. Griffin, being eager to check out something new, insisted that we attend. I couldn’t say no to my son. With reservations we signed up to attend. Visiting veterans at the VA Medical Center in Detroit is a good thing to do, even if the event is being put on by a bunch of bikers.

We arrived at the Harley dealership early. Griffin was a bit nervous seeing rough bikers all decked out in leather. Smoke pluming from their mouths as they exhaled. I hid my prejudice and  walked up to meet the organizers. We were greeted with wide smiles and open arms. A couple of female bikers were eager to get pictures with Griffin all decked out in uniform. They asked how were heard about the event and were excited to have us join the ride, even from our car.

I was astonished by the organization and rules the cycle club had in place for the ride. We followed the Harley line of 84 bikes the 20 miles downtown to the VA Hospital. Nurses meet our group at the door. The event organizers restated the purpose of the ride: “To put a smile on our VETS’ faces and get them outside for some air”. He announced that the ride raised $10,000 for the veterans recreation services department, “because they need to get outside now and again!” Then each participant went to a hospital ward to deliver a bag of toilettes to every veteran in the hospital. “If they can get in a wheelchair, bring them out to check out our bikes!” Were the last words shouted out before we entered the hospital.

Griffin meet Mr. Z and World War 2 veteran. He was excited to just see a young man’s face. We took Mr. Z outside. He marveled at the wondrous machines parked at the front of the hospital. Griffin listen as Mr. Z shared advice and stories of his experience. All the bikers were interacting with Mr Z ad thanking him for his service. Mr. Z was sad when we had to leave 2 hours latter. He just enjoyed talking to those that would listen.

My perceptions were changed this day. No longer will I prejudge a group based on stereotypes. Thanks to Griffin’s desire to go, I learned that this group of bikers are passionate about helping and serving others. I am sure many road clubs do similar things. My lack of experience led me down a road of prejudice. As learners we need to take on new experience with open minds. We can’t let our fears of the unknown hinder our lives.

As summer’s end creeps upon us, I will need to remember to overcome my prejudices during the up coming school year. Judging students by their daily actions and not lumping them into a stereotype.

I published a blog post with grammatical errors. I have to admit it wasn’t the first time or will it be the last time. I make mistakes. Writing has been a life long struggle for me. I seem to do a much better job with my words when I speak than when I actually slow down to capture them on my blog. My mind seems to flow faster than my fingers can type the words down. I often make mistakes. Frequently my mistakes come in the form of word replacement: such as typing “so” when I mean “some”.

My wife frequently asks if I proof read my work?  Of course I do re-read my work. My brain still contains the original wording. Often during a quick re-read my mind skips over the errors inserting correct word, missing the error. My proof reading improves if I set the writing aside for a day or two and re-visit it with a mind free from the original writing process. I should take a pause in the writing process and give my work more time. Errors still occur but I usually catch the glaring issues.

I blog to take ideas and put them to paper. I don’t blog to be perfect. The great thing about modern technology, when I find mistakes I can correct them even after publishing a post. Recently some readers have commented on my errors. I appreciate their corrections, I strive to do my best. What disturbs me is that some value perfect writing over quality ideas. When I read ideas take center stage. I frequently notice minor error in what I read. I don’t let it distract me from the overall purpose of the writing. Ideas drive the world not perfect writing. Writing errors surround us in all formats of writing. Authors don’t intend to make the errors they just happen. In my writing I attempt to be timely and respond to events in the world around us. This means I don’t often take the time needed to make it error free.

In my classroom I want to be a model for my students. Someone who has flaws but constantly tries his best to work through them. In the past I have focused too much on students’ grammar and not enough of the ideas presented in their writing. The “red” ink seems to discourage students from writing or even sharing ideas. Teachers need to encourage more writing, errors and all. When we read our primary focus should be on the ideas presented. Grammar is important, especially in published works, but should be secondary focus behind ideas.

I was personally discouraged from writing for many developing years due to my grammatical errors. Every paper was returned with so much red ink, I barely noticed the comments about the quality of my ideas. As educators we need to encourage writers sharing feedback that focused on the strengths of ones writing with side notes on the weaknesses.

We all make mistakes, don’t shut learners down by being too critical of them. Thank you for excepting me errors and all!