Was It Worth It?

Recently, my oldest son graduated from high school and now prepares to leave for college.

Like many parents standing at this milestone, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here. Looking at the young man he has become, I cannot help but think back to the little boy who first walked into preschool so many years ago.

When he began his educational journey, I was introduced to a world that was both exciting and, at times, unsettling. Like every parent, I wanted the very best for my child. I wanted him to receive a strong education, but I also wanted him to develop character, integrity, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

As I became more involved in his education, I began paying closer attention to the broader educational landscape. Some things encouraged me. Other things concerned me. I found myself asking difficult questions about what children need most in order to flourish.

Rather than simply wonder, I decided to learn more.

That decision led me to become involved in educational advocacy and community conversations. At one point, I even ran for public office. While I did not win, the experience taught me a tremendous amount about leadership, education, and the importance of standing up for what you believe.

Most importantly, it clarified something for me: if I wanted to create the kind of educational environment I envisioned for children, I would need to help build it myself.

That realization eventually led to the founding of Waterfront Academy.

Starting a school was far more difficult than I could have imagined. There were long days, sleepless nights, financial uncertainty, unexpected challenges, and moments when the path forward was anything but clear.

There were certainly times when I questioned whether all the effort, stress, and sacrifice were worth it.

Today, I have my answer. Without hesitation, yes. I am incredibly proud of my son.

He is independent, loyal, resilient, disciplined, confident, and full of integrity. He is a leader who cares deeply about others. He is creative, innovative, and willing to forge his own path.

Of course, much of that is simply who he is. Every child enters the world with unique gifts and talents.

Much of it comes from our family—the values we tried to model, the expectations we set, and the love and support that surrounded him throughout his childhood.

But I also believe that environment matters.

Children thrive when they are trusted. They thrive when they are given meaningful responsibility. They thrive when they are known as individuals and encouraged to develop their strengths. They thrive when education is about more than academics alone.

As Waterfront Academy grew, my son grew alongside it. He experienced firsthand the kind of environment I hoped to create: one that valued independence, leadership, curiosity, service, and character as much as academic achievement.

Did the school make him who he is? Of course not.

But I believe it helped create the conditions for him to become the best version of himself.

As I watch him prepare for college, I realize that my views on education have evolved over the years. I am less interested in educational debates than I once was. What matters most to me now is whether children grow into capable, moral, confident adults who are prepared to contribute positively to the world around them.

Looking at my son, I see exactly that.

Not a perfect young man, but a good one.

A young man who is ready to leave home, embrace new challenges, and continue growing into the person God created him to be.

And as I reflect on the path that led us here—the questions, the risks, the setbacks, and the leap of faith that became Waterfront Academy—I am filled with gratitude.

The little boy who inspired so much of this journey has become an extraordinary young man.

And yes, every bit of it was worth it.