Today is the last day of swim lessons for my daughters. The swim lessons are through Bakersfield Parks & Rec. My 3 1/2 year old has done a complete turn-around. Her instructor Kaitlin led her from 35 minutes of terrified screaming (2 days in a row), to a laughing-screaming, happy child in the pool. The transformation is amazing.

I wondered who would take this terrible summer job. Both the girls she started screaming nonstop. I'm a teacher, but I couldn't have tolerated that screaming so close to my ears. Kaitlin was patient, and I can now see why she does swim lessons during the summer. She doesn't get paid very much, but she makes money helping kids love swimming. She explained that she was terrfied of the water when she was young, and a teacher helped her learn to love swimming.

When you think all teenagers are nightmares, take a look around. There are some remarkable young people out there, quietly doing very good things in this world. Kaitlin is one of them. I am lucky enough to teach high school, so I see some thoughtful, amazing teens regularly. Pay attention to those around you, and try to see past the obnoxious behavior. You might be pleasantly surprised.