LETTER: Saying Thanks to His Students

Sometimes after giving, you realize that you received just as much. This was the case for Campbell Planning Commissioner Phillip Reynolds Jr.

I just wanted to give those that know, and those that don't know, an update on the class I have been teaching. I am having a very fortunate opportunity to be a teacher, and it is awesome.

For the past 7 weeks, I have been teaching an after-school program to students at . The class subject is "Planning Commission Apprenticeship."

I have a class of 15, fifth through eighth graders. I am teaching them on what is involved in being a Planning Commissioner. They have learned about ethics, vocabulary, leadership and public speaking.

The project for our class consists of seven Commissioners, two staff members, two applicants and four neighbors. The students are working on approving or denying a Conditional Use Permit for a fictitious business called "Tommy's Burger's."

Our final presentation will be in two weeks. The City Council Chambers has been reserved and on May 9, my students will be able to show what they have learned over a 10-week period by deciding on the application.

I am so proud of all of my students. They are all future leaders.

I think it is important that anyone with a skill or talent, to share that with the youth of today. I want great minds running my country, and by teaching, I can be assured that I did my part.

I have never done anything like this before, but now I can say that I have experienced what a real teacher experiences on a daily basis. I know that there is much more to teaching than what I am doing, but what a wonderful experience I am having.

I hope that someday these students look back and remember the Planning Commissioner that helped them pick up at least a few leadership skills.

I just can't say it enough, how proud I am of them.

--Phillip Reynolds Jr.