August
13
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Remembering my Educational Influence…
Five weeks into my PULSE assignment with the Philadelphia Education Fund and for some reason I’m thinking a lot about my late father. After some train ride reflection, I think I know why.
My father was a true believer in the importance of an education. He was the 2ndmember of his family to ever receive a college diploma, graduating from Waynesburg University in 1952 with a degree in English. After serving in the Korean War he returned home to find a job, marry my mother and start raising a family. He focused his energies and resources raising four sons in Pittsburgh.
Joe Laird with his four sons (left to right: Bill, Tom, Cliff and Bob)
He was determined that each of us would get a college education. Both he and my mother committed themselves to that goal and sacrificed much through the years to ensure it happened. They delayed necessary home repairs, rarely vacationed and didn’t put nearly enough away for their personal retirements. Our education was of paramount importance to him. Well, all four of his sons graduated from college, in fact we all went beyond and received either Masters Degrees or second degrees and today are fortunate to each be fully employed and contributing to society. I’m incredibly grateful for my father’s commitment, sacrifices and belief in education. He was right, as parents often are in hindsight, that education would make a profound difference in our lives.
Having no children of my own, I haven’t been as keenly interested in the education story as possibly some of you are who are reading this blog. I’m guessing when you have children that education, be it grade school, high school, or college, takes on a much greater importance in your life. My PULSE assignment has provided me a unique opportunity to step away from the healthcare arena where I’ve worked for nearly 20 years and learn more about as well as contribute toward improvements in Philadelphia’s education system. Like healthcare, education has a complicated, long and sometimes daunting story. My role during this six month assignment is take a small piece of that story, science and math education, and help identify and capitalize on ways to make a difference in student’s lives. As I support the “Math + Science Coalition” as they build their three-year strategic plan, reflecting on education in my own life has increased my passion and energy toward making a sustainable difference. This week I will be interviewing some Philadelphia Math and Science teachers and I’m looking forward to hearing from the front lines of education and understanding the opportunities and challenges they face.
More to follow. Until then…
Cliff,
Thanks for sharing your story. It is always fascinating to take a step back and learn a little something about people that we interact with every day. You are doing a really terrific thing by making a personal connection and applying it to such a positive cause in helping to deliver education to others to help set a course for a better future. Great work as I believe that this is a really important time in our country’s future where education is one important measure of future succes for every indivudal and our country as whole. Thanks again for sharing, your contribution, and best of luck with your assignment.
Best,
Andrew
Well said Cliff. Contributions to our educational system are truly an investment in the future for all of us! Keep up the great work!
Cliff, Great Story! I am sure your Father would be proud to see and hear what you are working on, and the difference you will be able to make in the education system. Keep up the great work.
Great Stuff Cliff! Awesome story about your Dad, you sound like a proud son and many of those same qualities can be found in you! Keep up the Good Stuff!
That’s outstanding reflection my friend! Maybe it was a ‘burgh thing, I shared the same experience. We lived in a neighborhood over an hour from my Dad’s work (and in those days in Pittsburgh – a long commute was 20 minutes) so that we could go to school in what they thought was the best public school they could afford to live near. There was never any question we would go to college, never. It was non-negotiable. Yet my Dad, the son of a mill worker, was the first in his family ever to attend college, as was my Mom. My Mom’s Dad barely finished highschool, and her mother had to quit school to go to work in ninth grade. Clearly, the need for education weighed heavy on our parents, and for that I will be forever grateful. For my children, it will also be non-negotiable – but in state tuition will be highly encouraged. Keep up the great work!
PS Love your brother Bob’s ‘tude in the photo!
Cliff – I really enjoyed reading your latest blog. It made me think of my late father as he too had an obsessive focus on my education (and that of my two brother’s and sister). I like the way you are making a link to your day job at GSK and now with the Math and Science Coalition. Your father would be very proud of you!
All the best and looking forward to reading your next blog!
Tosh
Cliff, what a wonderful remembrance and like many of the reply’s I too had parents that spoke of “when I went to college” not if. And like your siblings all four of my clan went on to earn college and higher degree’s as well. You put so much thought and effort into writing this piece, just like I know you are putting thought and effort in your work at the Philadelphia Education Fund. As the daughter, sister, and sister-in-law of primary teachers it is with great joy that I read your blog. Keep them coming!
Cliff,
Thanks for sharing your story. It touched me on a few levels, as I remember starting my education in some less than stellar Philadelphia public schools. Part of the reason my parents moved the family to Virginia was because they were determined that my brother and I receive the best education possible. But I do remember my third grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor, who took an active interest in me and even created a list of books for me to read outside of my usual class assignments because she had me pegged as an over-achiever early on. My Mom and Dad wanted me to be in a school environment that supported my interest in learning. Though that interest was further developed in Virginia, there was that special teacher who lit the fire. I am so thankful to her and my parents. After 26 years in the military (sometimes working a second job when he was on shore duty), my Dad was so proud to see me through my Bachelor’s degree from Duke University. I was the second in my extended family to finish college, and my parents were very proud. Personally, I am more proud of my Dad who went back and earned his own Bachelor’s degree after serving our country in the Navy. It’s amazing how our family’s belief in education and their willingness to make personal sacrifices can open so many doors for us. Thanks for reminding me to celebrate my Mom and Dad…and the many educators who work tirelessly in sometimes challenging circumstances!
Lisa, thanks for sharing. Love the story of Mrs. Taylor. Wouldn’t she be proud of FVP Burgess-Riggins. And wonderful story about your Dad and his degree post service in the Navy.
Cliff- Great perspective on the importance of education and your family’s commitment to it. Having my mother be a special education teacher for nearly 40 years we became knowledgeable of the many challenges in the education system. Thanks again for keeping this important topic in the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Anthony Urciuoli
Anthony, didn’t remember your mother’s career in education. Must have been quite challenging as well as rewarding for her. Appreciate you sharing the story.
Cliff – what a great story. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life experiences. As was said by many, non of us would be where we are today without the support and foresight of our parents and their focus on education. I am so proud of the important work you are doing and look forward to hearing more.
p.s. Can’t wait to see the “Cliff ….the teen years” pictures…keep blogging!
Cliff, Thanks for sharing your personal story as well as your PULSE program. It’s wonderful opportunity for you to give back to the Philadelphia community and support their system! So proud of the important work you are doing and looking forward to hearing from you!! Good luck with everything! Ji.
Cliff, As it is often said that ‘it’s people’ that make GSK a great company. Your story was inspirational and touched many who have read it! Interesting to read how many of us share similar memories of the sacrifice that our parents made to provide their children with a good education and the hope of a brighter future. I appreciate all the sacrfices my family made to ensure that I was focused on my education and that it was a priority in my life. I applaud the wonderful work that you are doing to give back to the Philadelphia area. Keep up the great work and continue to make all of us proud–I know that your Dad would most certainly be!!
I look forward to following the wonderful work you are doing:-)
Adeline
Dear Cliff: Thank you for the update on your PULSE rotation. Education is so important and many of your comments show the importance of parents in our education. You are the right person to make a difference in the lives you will be touching. We are very proud of you and what you are doing.
Really enjoyed this Cliff, on so many levels. First, it is great to understand more about the people that we work with each day–it provides more meaning to and understanding of the work we all do together. Second, your work is truly inspirational and a great reminder (as a parent now) of something that I myself might have taken for granted. I really look forward to staying on top of the work that you are doing, and am cheering for you on the sidelines–you should be very proud. PS such a cute baby 🙂
Cliff – I am really impressed and have been moved by your first two PULSE blogs. Sharing your thoughts and reflections of this experience is truly commendable and already impacting many people across our organization! Your recent blog behind the value of education and the sacrifices many people make to provide services, support, or (in both our parents case) educational funding, really hit home. We all take things for granted sometimes, even something as critically important as education. The work you are doing with the Philadelphia school system is going to impact thousands, if not tens of thousands of lives. I know your father is extremely proud of you and all that you are doing to give back to society. I am proud to have you as a GSK colleague and friend…keep the updates and reflections coming!
What a great opportunity! I look forward to hearing about how much the importance of education changes in your mind with this new role. With my mother being a teacher and father a Phd, education has always been a part of my life. This article makes me think of one person in graduate school who said something around education I have never been able to forget…because it’s so true. He said, “knowledge alone will never change behavior.” I worked doing nutrition outreach in inner cities for quite some time, and found it to be spot on, repeatedly. I wonder in this new role, Cliff, if you will find the same thing as me. Good luck!
Great Story Cliff! Your Father would be so proud. Keep doing “you”!
Bonita
Cliff, that is a great story. It is amazing how much our parents really do know. My parents, without college degrees, were very strong advocates to me and my three brothers getting at least a 4 year degree. I vividly remember having a very successful landscaping business that I used to fund my 4 year degree and every week my mom and dad would remind me that even though I was making excellent money that landscaping was only a stepping stone for my future. Boy were they right! I couldn’t even imagine pushing a lawn mower at this stage of my life. Keep up the great work on your pulse program. You are a great role model.
Terrific story Cliff, thanks so much for sharing. Throughout my years in school I had a number of influential teachers and professors, individuals who helped shape my worldview in some way shape or form. Yet, what I appreciated about your story was how it is many ways similar to my own. The fact is, that the influence of my mother, who though not college educated, and divorced with three children by the age of 30, constantly instilled in all three of her kids the unwavering belief that achieving a degree was nothing short of a preordained event. Though we grew up in an area where achieving a degree was the exception not the rule, in our household thanks to her sheer determination and will, all of her kids did just that, giving us the opportunity to better ourselves and our own families. The importance of the home can not be overstated.
Cliff, great story! After reading your blog I was quickly reminded of the many comments my parents made regarding the importance of getting an education. One summer prior to the start of my Freshman year of High School my father informed me that I will be starting a summer job working in a warehouse that ships supplies to contractors. I had know idea how much would be required of me physically with loading boxes of bulk nails etc. It was after a few weeks of doing hard physical labor that I made a committment to myself that I would go on to college. I am not sure if my father realized how much that summer impacted my future decision to pursue higher eductaion. I too am very grateful for my father’s persistance and challenge to me an my sisters on the value of an education. Because of my Father’s persistance I am the second person in my immediate family to earn a Bachelors degree and a Master’s degree. For that I am very grateful.
Cliif, keep up the great work and continue to inspire the next generation on the value of an education.
Hi, Cliff, thanks for the great story and I wish you luck in your PULSE endeavors. Your opportunity takes me back to growing up in West Virginia when the school bus would pick us up. There were kids running out to the bus from very small, poorly constructed homes. I recall one morning vividly when the mom ushered her 2 children and 2 chickens out the front door! Only the children got on the bus so I think we have our priorities straight. Our educational opportunities are never something we should waste.
LOL! Love that story Jennifer…glad to hear that you and not the chickens got on that school bus. Can’t imagine having BIG BIRD leading continuous improvement.
Cliff, thanks for sharing your story. I enjoy reading about your personal journey as you grow in this PULSE assignment. Education is crucial, growing up in a family of educators, I believe that most of my choices today are done to ensure my children have the best education I can provide. Thanks for keeping me posted on your experiences!
Thanks for reading and commenting Cara.
Hi Cliff – thanks for sharing such a great story. It is funny how stories connect us all. I remember when I was a kid, you know just a few short years ago, my parents telling me that the one thing that cannot be taken away from you is your education. At the end of the day, everything else may be lost or taken, but you will have your eduation. I hadn’t thought about that until I read your story and I thank you for triggering that memory. I know you are doing great things on your PULSE assignment and they will have lasting postive impacts for so many people! Education is our foundation and I am glad that you are fighting the good fight to help these kids with the science and math coalition. I look forward to hearing more about your experiences!!
Cliff, awsome story! I can’t agree more about the importance of education. As parents of a college senior and 5th grader, my wife and I make our kids education our number one priority. I understand the sacrifices your parents had to make to educate you and your brothers. Keep up the terrific job you’re doing with PLUSE!
Thanks Steve!
Cliff, Thanks for sharing your story! Interesting connection between your father and my own. Your father’s efforts, helped paved a way for a better South Korea, free from oppression, which then resulted better opportunities for yours truly. After the Korean war, many were left impoverished, including by father’s entire family of six children. My father was accepted into one of Korea’s top Universities, with no financial support. His mother borrowed money from friends and family to support his first year, but when the money ran out, my father had to make a difficult choice. Leave his country to find a better future for his children; or stay in Korea, without achieving the lifelong goal of a college education. In 1977, he moved to Seattle, Washington, with about $200, and a vision for a better future. He successfully supported my sister and I through our college years, and I am also proud of his committment, sacrifies, and belief in education. Talk to you soon! Dan Kim
Hi Cliff,
Thank you for sharing your story much of it resonated with me personally. As you interview those Math and Science teachers I will share with you, one of the most influential teachers looking back was my high school biology teacher. She was so passionate about science and she truly instilled a love of learning and curiosity in me.
Keep up the great work.
Jen
Jen, thanks for sharing that with me…love that she inspired “curiosity”. Great quality to have.
Wow! So well written and well said! Great story tellers evoke emotion……It took me back to my childhood (love the family pic) and also made me burst with pride for the company I work for today. Chapeau, Cliff.
Dear Cliff,
Thank you for sharing your blog with me. The family picture is the best! So classic. The Christmas tree with the silver tinsel, the felt snow skirt, the yellow walls and green area rug, the little plaid dress shirts. It is as if you snuck into one of my family photo albums. Thanks for the smile. Beyond the picture, though, I have to say, I am very excited to hear about your PULSE assignment. It is great to hear that your are already getting so much out of your opportunity. Please keep the installments coming. Sincerely, Maureen
MAUREEN,
THANKS FOR TAKING SOME TIME TO READ MY BLOG. FUNNY HOW THOSE OLD PHOTOS BRING BACK A FLOOD OF MEMORIES. HOPE THAT YOU ARE WELL AND LOOK FORWARD TO CATCHING UP SOMETIME HOPEFULLY IN THE NOT-SO-DISTANT FUTURE.
CLIFF
Cliff, Thanks for your terrific blog and key insights. I also reflected back on the unwavering support my parents provided in helping me achieve my educational goals. My father followed his father and grandfather footsteps and was a contruction plumber in NYC. Similar to your father, my dad was also determined for his children to have a solid educational foundation and sacrificed greatly for us to achieve this goal. The PULSE program is an outstanding initiative for GSK and having someone with your experience support the educational goals of others is a great way for GSK to live its values. I’m sure your dad would agree tremendously.
Cliff, it’s great to see you putting your change skills to use. As we know, change starts with self – then team/ those around you and others. By diagnosing your own experience and leveraging that as a tool for analysis and discernment, you are already on the path to “unlocking” the tremendous value you’ll bring to PEF!
Way to go, Cliff! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and for making all of us at GSK proud!
Cliff, My father raised four kids as a high school teacher. It probably goes with out saying, but your story resonates very strongly with me. Thanks for sharing!
Cliff, thanks for sharing your story. The importance of education was something I remember my Grandfather always telling me and your story reminds me again to never take a good education for granted. As parent now of one recent college grad and another beginning her second year it has been a true blessing to watch them learn and grow into fine adults and take very seriously how they plan to use their education in the futre. Looking forward to reading future installments.
Dave,
Thanks for taking time to read the blog and your comments. Great to get the update on your kids; sounds like they are doing quite well. Be well.
Cliff
Cliff love the story! Its great to see that you are able to make a positive impact on the education of children in the Philadelphia area. The Philadelphia Education Fund is fortunate to have your skills and spirit at work for them! Keep the stories coming and best of luck!
Hi Cliff:
Thank you for sharing your story! Your story really hits home for me as I currently contemplate changing schools for my children in order to offer them a better education. This change often times comes with sacrifice. I am so proud of you and excited to continue to learn about all the amazing ithings you are discovering on your PULSE assignment journey. Keep the stories coming!
All the best,
Stephanie
Cliff,
I would love to catch up with you on your PULSE assignment as it appears that my assignment is similar. I have interviewed one principal and one teacher. I’m in the process of setting up more interviews with principals and teachers to understand what they need and want from partners in a STEM network to support innovative sustainable STEM education. Although I have 2 children in school, my knowledge of education and pedagogy has been greatly enhanced. Please let me know the best way to get in touch with you.
Great stuff Cliff. I now understand what my Dad was trying tell me years ago, but of course I knew everything by the time I was 15, so I didn’t fully appreciate the meaning. Now that I am raising 2 kids of my own my thoughts are “How do I communicate the importance of education to my kids so they’ll hear me better than I heard my Dad?”
More importantly, I think it’s awesome how many people you are reaching with this blog! It took me 10 minutes to scroll down all of the comments, and I didn’t even read all of them. It’s a credit to the program and to the vast number of people in your network.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
All the Best!
Kevin
Welcome back from Ireland. Thanks for taking the time to read and your comments. Hope to catch up soon.
Hey Cliff,
Very inspiring story!! The connection of education to the future of our kids and country is tremendous. My mother persistently pushed me to go to college, and modeled the way by going back to college while I was in high school. She gradutated with honors from Nursing School, while working night shift,,, and never missed one of my baseball games. Much like you are inspiring others, she inspired me to expect more for my future, that I could rise to meet any challenge with the right attitude, and she pushed me to get an education that would position me for success. With an 8 year old son of my own now, we are just beginning to learn about the education system, and the tough choices involved. Keep up the great blogging.
Cliff, thank you for all that you are doing! As always your words and actions will make a difference and The Philaelphia Education Fund and their students will benefit. Thanks again for your great work!
Cliff,
You truly are an inspiration. I really enjoyed your story, and it got me to thinking about my own educational influences. I am also one of four children, and can remember some pretty lean years as my parents struggled to make ends meet. It was never “if” we go to college, but “when” in my house.
It would be remiss of me, however, not to mention the educational support of GSK and my colleagues during my MBA. Working full time and going to school at night was a challenge, but made easier, and even possible, by the encouragement I received from my teammates.
Thank you for sharing your story, Cliff, and good luck on this important project.
Kate
(You look so much like your dad.)
Thanks Katie for taking the time to read the blog and your comments. I need to see photos of Finn and Georgie!! Best to John.
Cliff, enjoy hearing your insights on perspective as you work through the Pulse program! What a great experience and opportunity! I look forward to more updates!
Cliff,
I am sure your Dad would be so proud to read you comments. It is amazing how our parents (and many of us as parents) do to give children a promising future. I am confident that the many families your Pulse project will touch will be extremely grateful for people like you who are dedicated their valuable time to improving the lifes of children. I look forward to tracking your journey and learning from you experiences.
All my best,
Sharon Koorbusch
Cliff – thank you for sharing. I am very excited to hear about your opportunity to work with a non-profit. I look forward to reading more about your experiences.