Lumping people into one giant good or bad category has long been a national pastime.  And our young people, it seems, receive a lopsided share of criticism.

Is the criticism deserved?  Watching, listening, working with college and 20-somethings for a few weeks I got my answer.  The decision was easy. Here’s why:

I hired four young men to plant numerous pots on my decks.  They were polite and hardworking. Their work was magnificent. They followed up to be sure all was well.  I would hire them again or invest in their company. They said  ’Oh, we love what we’re doing.'

Dining out with 11-month-old twin great grandbabies had promise of questionable joy.  A college student working summer as a server to the rescue.  Fast with highchairs. Faster with baby food.  Nothing too much trouble. She made the experience a pleasure. And the babies loved her.

Even the Emergency Room was made more pleasant by a young intern.  Can I get you anything?  Are you comfortable?  His goal – to be a great doctor.  Lucky patients. (Friends, nothing wrong with me – I was just a helper.)

The good encounters continued throughout the days  – from young smiling grocery check out staff, to being offered a hand on steep steps. The hands of so many young people are gifted, caring, hard-working.

So – thank you to those from whom they learned.  And, thank you to our young people.  You're pretty amazing.

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