What's Up, Doc? Appreciating Those Who Serve

By Randall Freeman, PhD

This past weekend, I attended my daughter Sarah’s water polo scrimmages. While there, I struck up a conversation with another father whose daughter was playing on the opposing team. I learned that we have a lot in common.

Scott has two young children -- a daughter and a son. The son plays baseball, which his father helps coach. The philosophy of focusing on development, cross-training, and teamwork above self is one with which I wholeheartedly agree. Young people will have plenty of time in which to focus on competition and winning; now is the time to develop skills for the sport and for living.

Scott is a police officer; I am a teacher. Both professions provide a service to the community, particularly young people. Both of us suffer from some of the same frustrations – knowing that we come into the life of a young person for only a short time, never certain exactly what positive effect we eventually had on that person’s life; dealing with children living in fractured and broken families; having to deal with those people who insist on demonizing our professions; etc.

Scott places his life on the line every day he puts on his uniform and badge. He knows that each day he leaves his son and daughter, he may never see them again. Every day he continues to do so to make the world a better place for them to live in.

As a teacher, I deal with many fragile children. They deal with issues that I can only imagine. I go to school with the knowledge that many of my students may be dealing with life issues that are more critical than learning to count and add numbers. Every day, I continue to do so to prepare them to do better in the world in which they live.

Police officers and teachers are regularly criticized for the actions of a few bad apples. The brush of criticism paints a wide swath through these noble professions. Teachers and police officers deal with these unfair attacks and go to work knowing that what they do may very well be unfairly criticized.

I spent about an hour speaking with and listening to Scott. I came away feeling much better about what I attempt to build with my young students, knowing that there are men and women like Scott who spend their lives trying to make the world a better place for those young people to live and thrive. Those who serve others make this world and our community a much better place to live.

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, 18, and 14-year-old triplets Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy and Max, 17-year-old cat Hunter, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. Randy has wisely decided to delete the bit about being Karen's boss in order to continue living in his happy home.