This is not an article about cooking, or farming, or chickens, but it is about an egg – a “good egg.” It’s the first in a series of articles about young people who are positively impacting the community. To be clear, perhaps it’s best if we start by understanding the term “good egg.”
Back in the 1800’s and across the Atlantic in England, the school system had a term for people who were not very nice. They were dubbed “bad eggs.” Jump ahead about fifty years and the term got turned around and they started calling someone who was nice a “good egg.” Today we might use the words nice, cool, interesting, or awesome, to mean the same thing, although occasionally we still hear the term “good egg” used.
The terminology might be a little old-fashioned, but wouldn’t you agree that the world needs a little more of “old fashioned” right now? So many things are topsy-turvy and there are so many misunderstandings and anger across the globe. Perhaps a little more focus on old-fashioned common sense and common courtesy might just calm us down a little bit, improve civility, increase kindness, and help to repair our world. But, I digress…
Someone who is a “good egg” may not be famous, but they are as true as a compass pointing north. They may not be rich, but their value is found in a strong foundation of family, a concern for the world around them, and a desire to make a difference for as long as they walk the earth. Although not perfect, good eggs try hard, work to better themselves, and treat others with respect. Good eggs may not be noticed for what they do, but they persevere because notoriety isn’t what they are all about.
This article is about a local good egg who is 18-years-old and a role model. His story isn’t earth-shattering, at least not at this stage of his life, but that isn’t the point. The point of this article, which is the first in a series of articles about young adults in our area, is to give a little attention to the good eggs out there who are trying to be the best person they can be and are helping their community.
Good eggs have positive family connections, healthy and wholesome values and are working towards a goal. They may not necessarily be the young people we see highlighted in the news for saving lives or winning trophies, but they are making a difference in their own ways. Our community should be aware of them. So, without further ado, here is our first official “good egg.”
Meet Paul Michael Smith, a resident of Westerly. Paul lives at home with his parents, Michael and Carol, and has three older siblings. He’s 18 and a senior at the Prout School in Wakefield. As a senior, he is a good student and is starting to plan for life after high school. His current long-term goal is to be a college history professor with a specific interest in Medieval European history.
Paul’s weeks are busy. In addition to his studies, he’s involved in extracurricular activities. He’s the captain of the boys’ tennis team, has been involved in the Model Legislative Club which gives him great experience in Rhode Island’s political process, is involved in his school’s pro-life club, and is a student ambassador. Paul also holds down a part-time job and is involved in the St. Pius X youth group and volunteers his time for various events.
Paul has been involved in the Boy Scouts since the age of six. Last summer he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. The results of his Eagle Scout project can be seen on Elm St. in Westerly. He re-did the St. Pius sign that offers inspirational messages and information to our community.
Our first “good eggs” family, scouting, school, community, and church involvement seem to have instilled positive values and habits in him which are and will continue to be, impacting our community and our world. Positive comments for Paul and his efforts can be submitted to the comment section below this article. I hope you enjoyed meeting our first “good egg”.
If any reader knows of a youth or young adult (9th grade through 25 years old) who should be considered as a focus for a “good egg” article, meets the criteria described above, and would be OK possibly having an article written about him/her, please submit their names, five reasons why they’d make a good focus for an article, and your contact information to [email protected].
Please talk to the person you are nominating prior to submitting their name for consideration. Written parental permission is required for youth under 18. This is a limited series so not all submissions will end up being featured.
