Beyond 'unafraid to try', it's remarkable the talents that individuals of all ages can discover within themselves in the face of adversity. To find them within yourself at age 8? Truly amazing.
Thank you, Bari, for introducing us to this phenomenal human. I ordered his book immediately. If I had read his book when my children were toddlers, I would have had a completely different philosophy about child rearing and education. I agree that Cole's book should be required reading in schools -- it should be read at the earliest age a child is capable of understanding it, and should be required reading for all who believe themselves educators. Cole died too young, a victim of the bad luck he talks about in his autobiography. Not every person has the ability or familial support to succeed as Cole did, but we can all learn much from him. His autobiography is an immeasurably important book. I hope it receives the attention it deserves.
This was a very inspiring article! I agree 100% with unschooling. I have been teaching public school for 25 years and there's very little good in it. If anything it stifles teenagers and teaches them a factory-system education wherein the bells rings then they change rooms. It's a conveyor belt system and they are trained like Pavlov's dogs. This young man, Cole, has got it figured out. Our future is in the hands of young people like Cole, not the trained lemmings of American public schools.
This brightened and saddened my day at the same time. What a beautiful story, I will buy the book. We need more parents that give the freedom to kids to be independent thinkers and expand on their creativity. Thank you for sharing, with kids like Cole, the world has hope.
I am so very sorry to learn that Kevin is gone at the tender age of 14. He not only showed great promise, he was living proof that when we are encouraged, when our ideas are respected and we our respected for the people we are, and when we are unconditionally loved, we can do seemingly impossible things. May his memory be a blessing and his story be an inspiration to many. I'll be sharing his essay for sure.
I read the newspaper article on this tragic death. In it there is a lesson for all you young parents out there. Make sure your child learns how to swim. That cannot be emphasized enough.
What an inspiring and brilliant young man. I’m so grateful you could capture this piece and share it with us. I’m so sad for his parents. They must be devastated. It’s remarkable to me what he was able to accomplish with the short time he was given to live on this earth.
Thank you for sharing this, Bari. Too often we forget what incredible things kids are capable of when we give them a chance, and this boy accomplished a great deal while on his short mission here on earth. He and his family will be in my prayers.
Beyond 'unafraid to try', it's remarkable the talents that individuals of all ages can discover within themselves in the face of adversity. To find them within yourself at age 8? Truly amazing.
Thank you, Bari, for introducing us to this phenomenal human. I ordered his book immediately. If I had read his book when my children were toddlers, I would have had a completely different philosophy about child rearing and education. I agree that Cole's book should be required reading in schools -- it should be read at the earliest age a child is capable of understanding it, and should be required reading for all who believe themselves educators. Cole died too young, a victim of the bad luck he talks about in his autobiography. Not every person has the ability or familial support to succeed as Cole did, but we can all learn much from him. His autobiography is an immeasurably important book. I hope it receives the attention it deserves.
This was a very inspiring article! I agree 100% with unschooling. I have been teaching public school for 25 years and there's very little good in it. If anything it stifles teenagers and teaches them a factory-system education wherein the bells rings then they change rooms. It's a conveyor belt system and they are trained like Pavlov's dogs. This young man, Cole, has got it figured out. Our future is in the hands of young people like Cole, not the trained lemmings of American public schools.
This brightened and saddened my day at the same time. What a beautiful story, I will buy the book. We need more parents that give the freedom to kids to be independent thinkers and expand on their creativity. Thank you for sharing, with kids like Cole, the world has hope.
Wasn't just because he wasn't afraid to try; he was probably a genius.
And figured he was the only one who could save his family.
This is simultaneously both incredibly inspiring and tragic. So very tragic. My heart aches for the family and the loss of his brilliance.
I am so very sorry to learn that Kevin is gone at the tender age of 14. He not only showed great promise, he was living proof that when we are encouraged, when our ideas are respected and we our respected for the people we are, and when we are unconditionally loved, we can do seemingly impossible things. May his memory be a blessing and his story be an inspiration to many. I'll be sharing his essay for sure.
I have nothing clever to say. I was only half-way through the preamble when I found myself gasping, "Oh, Jes** Chr*** ..." ...
Thanks for sharing Cole's essay. Even RealClearPolitics.com posted a link to it.
What an extraordinary person and a terrible loss for humanity.
What a loss.
What a great life he lived in such a short amount of time. I hope his family finds solace in that.
Young people like Cole are what the elite educational bureaucrats fear most.
I read the newspaper article on this tragic death. In it there is a lesson for all you young parents out there. Make sure your child learns how to swim. That cannot be emphasized enough.
What an inspiring and brilliant young man. I’m so grateful you could capture this piece and share it with us. I’m so sad for his parents. They must be devastated. It’s remarkable to me what he was able to accomplish with the short time he was given to live on this earth.
Thank you for sharing this, Bari. Too often we forget what incredible things kids are capable of when we give them a chance, and this boy accomplished a great deal while on his short mission here on earth. He and his family will be in my prayers.
How about an annual award or scholarship in Cole Summers’s memory at your nice new University of Austin
I would second that. I’d be happy to donate if his family is amenable to it.