Robert Dutkiewicz

We just celebrated Labor Day, which means that if you are a Michigander, summer has come to an unofficial end. For the boaters and warm weather lovers, I’m sure this is a rather sad time. For me, who has never been a fan of the steamy weather, I look forward to turning off the air conditioning, opening the windows, and enjoying a pleasantly cool evening. I also look forward to the season in which Michigan shows off its spectacular colors.

This time also marks when the children head off to their respective schools. I have two returning to college and my youngest is starting his final year of high school. Though none of them are bursting with excitement to get back into the school routine, each in their own way is looking forward to something that awaits them at their current stage of life in school. Like many parents, I can only sit back at this stage and marvel how fast time has passed, as I see them getting closer to another step of building their own life and eventually joining the working class and making their contribution, in some small, but meaningful way.

When I observe my children and talk with friends, colleagues, and clients who have children in a similar stage, I must admit that I have a good deal of comfort that these children will help to shape a better future. Even though there is no shortage of tumult and strife in our world, I do get a great sense that this generation is going to do OK. Though they each have a form of naiveté and lack the experience only time can bring so as to shape their views on the world, I find them to be passionate, hardworking (though they work much differently than my generation), kind, and extremely bright. I also marvel is their need for a diverse environment and how it makes them thrive.

As I watch our universities and schools fill up again, I feel pretty good about the future.

I hope that everyone had a great summer and I wish you an enjoyable fall season.

Kindest regards,

Rob