The Tribune and other papers sometimes run articles and letters deploring the state of American education, particularly the lack of educational role models for kids. But are the kids only following the examples of what the papers and TV seem to think are important?
Recently, a historic event happened in space exploration with the successful launching of the Cassini spacecraft to orbit Saturn and explore its moons. Scientists and engineers worked from 12 to 15 years on its design, development, building and launching.
If sports teams win or lose, you can be sure the players and their deeds will be extravagantly covered in the Tribune sports section, and sometimes even on the front page. Though the Tribune did carry a short report on Page 5 (Oct. 16) about the Cassini launch, why not, as you continue to cover this story, have stories on the main players in the Cassini-Saturn game? Include pictures, credits, explanations of the work and genius of the main scientists, engineers and builders, with descriptions of their backgrounds and education.
To a kid or adult thinking about his or her future, that could help show that you don’t have to be a rock singer or a sports hero to be a star. There are other role models.
