Sophia and Governor’s School

My mother was accepted into the North Carolina Governor’s School. And… upon finding out she would not be allowed to have her beloved 1957 Chevy during the summer session, she promptly decided she would not attend.

Probably not the best decision. But, as the first driver in her immediate family, she proudly declared there was no way – NO WAY – she would leave her car sitting on College Street for six weeks of summer cruising time.

Margaret repeated that declaration for the next 40 or 50 or 60 years or however long it was. I heard that story every year of my life, whenever the Governor’s School conversation was the hot topic at school.

When it was my turn to apply and audition and the whole rigmarole, I was not accepted. I was designated as “the first alternate.” Un-huh. Sure thing. Whatever.

That remained true until the first Wednesday of Summer Enrichment. Barbara Lancaster (Guidance Counselor at North Forsyth) called the Summer School office. That summer, we were rehearsing at Jefferson Elementary School.

“Jeffrey, one of the Governor’s School participants has backed out and the spot is yours. Do you want it?”

I knew the story. “Can I take my car?”

My mama, listening to my side of the conversation from two steps away, whacked me upside the head.

Ms. Lancaster laughed and said, “Decide and let me know before lunchtime.”

I informed my mother, and everybody else at Summer Enrichment, I was not going. I was going to play Marryin’ Sam in LI’L ABNER.

That went over well. Uncle Larry told me I was making a bad decision. Gretchen said the same thing. John mumbled, “Dude…” Sara Carter ripped me a new one. That was the tipping point. I mean, Sara went OFF. The door was closed and that was a good thing for everybody except me.

I was weak. I surrendered. I caved in. I called Ms. Lancaster and told her I’d take the spot.

The grownups were right. Governor’s School was spectacular. One of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I loved it.

I’ve perpetuated the story. Two generations – TWO – were accepted into Governor’s School. One of us went and one of us didn’t. But, we were BOTH accepted. During the summer of ’87, I was honored as a legacy at Governor’s School West.

So… the pressure is on. The expectations are high. Sophia and Miles know the stories. (Margaret’s and mine!)

The selection process is surprisingly different these days.

There is an extensive application. Multiple teacher recommendations. Essays upon essays. I had to sign a paper and audition. Sophia has written her ears off.

She writes. I proofread. She writes. I suggest. She writes. I read. And on and on and on.

She submitted her application this week.

Her writing is excellent. At the ripe ol’ age of 17, she is a MUCH better writer than I was as a high school junior.

That said, I thought I’d share one of her responses. The instructions say, “Select one of your activities or honors and explain why it was particularly meaningful for you.” (Limit 1500 characters.)

Enjoy Sophia’s words!

Other than watching a handful of Wake Forest field hockey games with my family, I knew nothing about the sport.

I attended the Raider Reveal prior to my freshman year. It’s part-open house and part sign-up for text messages and emails. The freshmen can learn about the course offerings and extra-curricular options before the first day of school. It’s a good thing.

I paused to look at my phone in the gymnasium, and a girl said, “Do you play field hockey?” I quickly explained I did not and moved on. She replied, “You should come. We’ll teach you.”

Fast-forward a month and I found myself at the first optional summer workout for field hockey. The coach explained they needed somebody to volunteer to learn to play the goalkeeper position.

The next day, I spent most of the optional workout trying to figure out how to strap the leg guards around my shoes and worrying about how I would ever stand up if I fell down.

The coaches were patient. The upperclassmen told me where to stand. Everybody was encouraging. I learned as we played. It was never about the scoreboard. Keep working and get better. Parents and teachers say it all the time, but sometimes it’s hard to keep the faith.

I was surprised by every save!

Eighteen months later, I was named first team All-State and NC goalkeeper of the year. As a junior, I am ranked fifth in the USA in total saves.

When we go, see, and do… miracles happen. Make the effort. Don’t give up. It’s been a lesson I won’t forget.