Author: MichelleMcHatton

I'm a writer. I'm also a wife and a parent who works too much and lives too little. In addition to writing I also love to read, listen to music, travel, cook, I enjoy looking for bargains at flea markets or thrift stores, Christmas, football and of course writing! How did I come up with the title of my blog? Two things: 1. I live in New England (duh) and 2. Canadian singer Alan Frew once arrogantly told me to "get a New England life"--again--DUH! I already HAVE one!
“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.”—President Barack Obama

“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.”—President Barack Obama

by MichelleMcHatton

Today the graduates of Worcester Technical High School will experience something not everyone will get to experience in their lives:  a commencement speech made by the President of the United States made at their graduation.

Principal Sheila Harrity took over Worcester Tech in 2006, taking it from one of the lowest-performing institutions in the state to becoming a Blue Ribbon School in 2013.  Ms. Harrity is also recognized as National High School Principal of the Year and was honored by the president at the National Teachers of the Year event at the White House on May 1.

When the White House contacted Harrity about having President Obama speak at the commencement, she was in tears.  Then she held an assembly to notify the students of the event.  Since then the school has been all a buzz with the pending arrival.

President Obama has a strong initiative in wanting to reform education in America, to make it better, more accessible and more affordable for everyone.

As Obama has stated:  “We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.”

That is what Principal Sheila Harrity has succeeded in doing at Worcester Tech.

 

One girl’s courage

One girl’s courage

by MichelleMcHatton

Imagine waking every day as a female knowing that your love of reading, math, science, learning…just wanting an education, could get you killed.

I’m grateful for young women like Malala and Kainat who have the courage to stand up for what they believe in.  No girl should have to risk her life because of the desire to learn.

I couldn’t fathom not being able to read a book, attend a seminar or get an education because I’m a female.  Knowing I can do this makes me very proud to be an American.

Other than the Taliban’s warped thinking that females should not be educated, their reasoning for shooting these girls is unclear.  However, I think I may have the answer:  fear.  The Taliban are so fearful that these females will achieve something substantial in their lives, something the Taliban will never do.  Because the Taliban are nothing but a bunch of cowards.  These females will continue on with their educations, and with what they learn, they will outsmart the evilness of the Taliban and make the world a better place.  Not just for females but for everyone.

 

The Longest Way Home

The Longest Way Home

by MichelleMcHatton

I’ve started reading Andrew McCarthy’s book “The Longest Way Home:   One Man’s Quest for the Courage to Settle Down.”.  I haven’t gotten too far into it yet (okay, I’ve only read the dust jacket), but if it’s as well written as some of the travel articles he’s written, I’m sure I’m in for a real treat.

In comment to McCarthy’s statement about Americans being afraid to travel, I have to ask “why shouldn’t we be”?  One minute you’re on a plane flying from Boston to wherever and end up crashed in a skyscraper in Manhattan.  You can hop a train in Switzerland during your vacation and become a bombing victim.

Don’t get me wrong.  Traveling is a great thing.  I love to do it myself.  But it’s become a much higher risk for people today than even 20 years ago.  The world is a much scarier place today than it was back in 1992.  It’s enough taking a risk traveling to work every day, not much to a far off destination somewhere halfway around the world.

Aside from fear, another reason so many Americans, and people in general, may not travel so much anymore is financial.  When the airlines are charging $100.00 a bag, what average American family can afford to fly to Orlando?  With gas prices the way they are, driving there isn’t much cheaper.  And forget international travel.  It’s costly enough to travel within the United States; what average American traveler can afford to fly OUTSIDE the U.S.?

No wonder so many people are opting for “staycations” these days.  Besides, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy reading “The Longest Way Home” and dream of your ideal travel destination.

Rockin’ and rollin’ with Irene

Rockin’ and rollin’ with Irene

by MichelleMcHatton

On top of the looming Hurricane Irene due to hit us probably some time this weekend, Mother Nature decided to throw a new one our way today and gave the east coast a few shakes here and there.  And I didn’t have the opportunity to feel a damn thing.  However, someone I know who works in Marlborough said that the floor he works on (fourth floor) shook for about ten seconds, enough to make coat hangers move and throw a few people off-balance.  Then they got word about the earthquake in VA.

So now we prepare for Irene’s visit.  And when she comes knocking, we’ll be ready….