Thoughts on learning

2007-09-29 16:02:20.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer

Books

Today the summit was proud to host Richard Hendrickson for his first visit to the top of Mount Washington. This man has been forecasting for as long as the observatory has been operational, 75 years. He is a walking climate record for his hometown in Long Island. He and his family very generously provided the Observatory with two books, written, and signed, by Mr. Hendrickson himself. These books are a fascinating history of folklore, farming, and weather in the “Fish Tail” of Long Island, complete with photographs from before WWI, hand drawn pictures, and some lovely poetry. Mr. Hendrickson said something that will be forever implanted in my mind. He said that in all his years of forecasting, he has been continuously learning, every day something new.

As I write this comment, and ruminate upon this profound statement, in my mind, I see him, at a remarkable 95 years old, standing in the top of the tower, facing into the 63 MPH winds, with a look of pure excitement on his face. I am also reminded of something my junior high basketball coach once said to me; he said “Never be afraid to ask a question.” These two statements are the basis for all science and new discoveries. I guess these two statements have special meaning to me, as one of the educational observers, but I truly believe that every day is a day to learn or experience something new and different. If you don’t believe that, remember that one day you might climb Mt. Everest, take the super ferry between Hawaiian Island, and civilians might be able to go to the moon for the cost of an airline ticket. All of this is made possible by the concept of asking questions and remembering that learning is an ever-constant process.

The titles of the books written by Richard G. Hendrickson are as follows…
From the Bushy Plain of Bulls Head… Whisperings and Wanderings
Winds of the Fish’s Tail

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer