This article isn’t about being safe on the internet, cyberbullying or internet addiction. It’s not something that I would normally write about either but after thinking about it I decided to share as I think the message for fathers and father figures is important. This message came in late this afternoon:
Happy Fathers Day Sir. You may not remember me but you spoke to my class on cybersafe a few months ago. I had a question and you answered it. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your talk and that I was interested all the time. I really thought it was cool that someone like you knew about Fortnite and other games that we play. Sir, your talk was very good and I felt good after knowing that you were taking the time to talk to children like us. I don’t have my dad anymore and he used to always say things like you and make jokes like you. Sir, your class was very nice. Thank you for doing what you do and for being a cool teacher. Your children are lucky to have a dad like you. Happy Fathers Day.
I never thought that in the 10 years of conducting lectures all over the country that I would have such an impact on any student in my audience. It led me to realize that in my role as lecturer, it is also one of mentor and, quite possibly in some remote way, a father figure. Now I do recall the student who sent the message. He was probably around 14 years and from an area that we generally don’t shine too much of a good light on. I responded to him and asked his permission to share his message as I thought there are other folks who can benefit from reading it. He just wanted to remain anonymous.
I therefore take this opportunity to let all the fathers or father figures reading this that you have a duty and responsibility to the children in your care.
Take the time out to have that conversation, answer that question, tell that joke, lay down the law, be the example because you never know who is watching and taking notes.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, uncles, grandfathers. Know your importance in society for you never know when you will be making an impact on someone.
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