Philadelphia is My Home

25
Jun

The Belmont 112

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Local News

---

Did anyone read the cover story in yesterday’s paper about the Belmont 6th graders offered a free college education twenty years ago?

I did.  And, I remember when that happened. I remember watching the news when the philanthropist George Weiss waltzed into the school and announced that he would foot the bill for every 6th grader there to go to college.

It was right about the time I started college part time on the weekends at Community College of Philadelphia, because that was all I could afford. Community College and only on the weekends due to my full time job, which I needed to survive. 

I was floored.  I remember thinking just how lucky these kids were and how, knowing what a struggle it was for me right then, that they were probably beside themselves with joy.

Having just paid off my student loans this year (at the age of 40!), I can attest to the fact that yes, they were indeed a lucky bunch.  So I devoured that article to see what all these kids made of this amazing opportunity.

Was I disappointed or bitter that only 20 out of the 112 went on to college, even though the hefty bill was completely paid? No, instead I felt sad for those that squandered away such a miracle of an opportunity.  Besides, I was too busy being impressed by the many success stories there were, considering that paying the bill probably wasn’t the hardest hurdle to get over for some of these kids.

Finally, I felt hope after reading the article. Hope, because other wealthy individuals are following suit and offering more kids this same chance at a future.  Hope, because there were many of these kids, now parents themselves, who recognize the unlimited benifit to an education.  All grown up now, they realize what they had, even if they passed it up when they had the chance, not realizing it then.  Parents encouraging their children, “You can do it, even on your own!”

Maybe they all didn’t get to the ultimate goal, but it changed them regardless. It changed the society around them and it triggered a positive change in the future for them and their children.  Breaking the cycle, even if it’s one kid at a time. I am sure to Mr. Weiss, that is priceless.

Read more about the story here, as well as bios on many of the kids.