Youngest son has been bitten by the Entrepreneurial bug....
He's decided that upon graduating from Manheim Township High School later this year, he'd like to further his studies with a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies. I didn't even know such a degree existed! I guess I can't blame him, as I consider myself to be self-emplyed. So is my husband. Actually, we've been self-employed since were were both 22 and 24 years old, when we moved from New York city to Lancaster County and purchased a restaurant way over in York County. It was tough, and we made mistakes and learned a lot. But we made it!
It must run in the family, as my father was self-employed after purchasing his business from his father, who obviously was self-employed. My husband's father was self-employed. My brother is, and so is my husband's sister and her husband. Come to think of it, most of my cousins are. I'm sure sonny boy will have lots of advice showered upon him, whether it's wanted or not!
So, as he's deciding he's taking the leap, I'm proud of him and excited for him. The sad part is that he wants to attend school in Denver (and I don't mean Denver, PA right here in our hometown of Lancaster County!). I mean Denver as in Colorado! It's already breaking my heart knowing he will be so far away, especially when the other son is already attending school in Florida. Having both of my boys clear across opposite ends of the country is a bit unsettling! I have to admit, I shed a tear or two on the way home from our appointment with the local admissions rep today. I know that my husband did, too. I think secretly we were both wishing that we would hate everything about the school. We haven't visited in person yet, so there is that chance! Son, on the other hand, was in the back seat downing a McDonald's hamburger and telling us to hurry up so he's not late for his basketball game. I guess we all have our priorities!
Of course, he will one day have to consider exactly what type of business he plans on running -- in my dreams it would be Kontis & Son Realty -- haha! But, this isn't my dream we're talking about here, it's his.
I'll support him whatever he decides his dream is, of course.
Dream big, son. And jump high. And hold on for the ride!
Lancaster PA Real Estate
contact Jeannie Kontis at 717-330-5137
or email Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com
* photo credit - 'Derek J' by Phil Watt
& FreeStockPhotos.com
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Very cool post! You should check out what we're doing in Des Moines to promote dreams. Check it out at www (dot) bigdreamgathering (dot) com. It's good stuff.
I feel you sadness at this time. My oldest son wants to go away to school too. I'm just trying hard to understand. They have to spread their wings.
We all WANT to control the future of our children. HA, Never works.
I've been through the same thing with my three boys but it sure is a good feeling when they do well. I too come from a family of self employment and would not consider anything other and all three of my boys dream to someday be employed themselves. There is not a thing wrong with it!
Tyler -- That is a very cool event! Thanks for sharing!
Maria - I guess it's what we as parents have to deal with. I don't mind that he wants to go away, I actually encourage it, as I've seen firsthand the huge difference it's made with my oldest son. I just wish it wasn't soooo far! An ideal place for me would be anywhere that I can fly to WITHOUT a connecting flight.
Vickie - Ha! Good point!
Nannette -- No, I agree, there is nothing wrong with dreaming to be self-employed. My oldest son's dream is to collaborate with my husband and go into business together when he gets out of school. I think the only thing they might come to regret is trying to find health insurance for the self-employed!
Our oldest went to a college 30 minutes away and lives there, we never see him...lol Our youngest wants to go to USC and the idea of it makes me cry, a year before it would happen...all we can do is give them a good launching pad and be here whenever they return...sigh.
Jeannie - Wonderful post and it sounds like your son has a heck of a good head on his shoulders. I'm with you though, I never knew that degree even existed!
Boys want to get away from their family to show themselves that they can succeed on thier own. Let them grow.It's easy for me to say, because mine is just 30 miles away.
Vanessa - my youngest lives in the bedroom upstairs, and I never see him! LOL.
Jason - Well, that makes two of us! I was floored when I learned they actually give degrees on how to lose your shirt by going into business for yourself. Hopefully he'll learn something to avoid that!
Elizabeth - 30 miles away would have been ideal for me. I'm sure I'll get used to it, although I think my husband will have an even harder time letting go.
Good post. We have got to let them live their dreams not ours. best of luck to you all.
Jeannie - I enjoyed this special post for your son. I am featuring it within Family Ties. As you said, you will support him no matter what, but Kontis and Son isn't totally unreasonable either, right?
JEANNIE - My oldest is only 5, but I already started teaching him what entrepreneur means. I've been down the employee road, and while there were some great times, overall, I like running the show myself much better. Of course, being that I consider myself an entrepreneur, I would love for my kids to follow that path. I've started reading about universities that have an entrepreneur program in Entrepreneur Magazine. It's a growing major, and one that will have great benefits to those that take it. I wish that this were available when I was in school. I realize that it's hard to have your kids away from you, so that part kind of stinks, but at least he's got a good head on his shoulders. Who knows? Maybe Kontis & Son isn't as far-fetched as you'd think.
Hank - thank you for stopping by. I agree, it's important to support their dreams and watch them grow into themselves. Thanks for your support!
Jason - Thank you for the feature! Kontis & Son does not sound bad to me at all. The older son lately has expressed interest of going into business with my husband. Between older son's film-making and my husband's recording studio, and my real estate business and younger son's dreams of entrepreneurship -- I can see "Kontis & Kontis Realty & Film Production" in my future! LOL Would that fly?
Adam - So you've heard of the degree! I, too, think it has great benefits. It's really not just for someone who wants to work for themselves, but focuses on marketing, administration, capital funding -- just about everything you need to know to either launch a new product or business. We first learned about it during a school visit in North Carolina several months ago and were pretty excited about it. I don't really know how good that head on his shoulder is, and honestly sometimes I worry about it (as every parent of an 18 year old would) - but he's a headstrong kid who does not take to authority well. I think he *needs* to be the boss, or things just won't go well for him!
Jeannie - This one is included in my weekly wrapup post tonight for Family Ties. Thanks!
Jeannie,
I hope you let your son read this post...we can never pass up an opportunity to express our love for our children...I'm sure you will sorely miss him...but he will bring pride to his parents as a testimony to your love for him!!! Thanks, Fran
I saw this on Jason's wrap up post. I'm happy I stopped by. I really feel for you and your husband, but I'm also so amazed with your son's vision for his future. I hope to know you long enough here on AR to follow his path...back to Kontis & Son Realty, hee hee! :>)
Jason - thank you for the inclusion in your Family Ties wrap-up!
Fran - I didn't think of letting him see this, because he will probably be annoyed that I'm even writing about him! (you know how teens are). But you're right, I'm sure he'd appreciate it even if he doesn't show it (again - you know how teens are!). Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Natalie - Thank you for your kind words of encouragement! Today, I was looking up flights for Denver for our visit there. He's been there once to visit a friend, and I know he loves the area. I just want to make sure the school is a good fit, but I already have a feeling it is. Unfortunately, every time I mention Kontis & Son Realty, he cringes. Bummer.
That is a very touching post, Jeannie! I remember "losing" my kids to college. First, my son, then my daughter. I felt very empty. But, I am a big sister to an 8 year old girl now. (Hmmmm. I feel a post coming on.) Plus, having a 4H club seems to fill in my void.
Brigita - It's great that you have found other activities to fill the void! I think my activities will revolve around work - and becoming more of a workaholic (plus, I'll have to pay for those college expenses!). I'll look forward to your post about being a Big Sister!