Teddy Roosevelt for the Twenty-first Century by Cricket

Teddy Roosevelt for the Twenty-first Century by Cricket - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I could break bread with a U.S. prez, I’d choose Theodore Roosevelt, hands down. Not only was Teddy Roosevelt a passionate adventurer (which makes for interesting dinner conversation), but he held our natural resources in the highest regard. He had a BIG personality and had a way of nudging others into seeing the importance of conservation. So perhaps, as we are finishing our soup, I could ask him to help me strategize ways to effectively remind our nation, and our planet, of that vital message. President Roosevelt used the power of his position to preserve land, protect wildlife and the environment, and had the forethought to establish National Parks, game preserves and National Forests. For those destinations, the backdrops of my family’s summer vacations, I would like to offer my sincere “thanks.”

President Roosevelt was a voracious reader, consuming several books a day in multiple languages. He never stopped learning. Whether he was rowing, horseback riding, playing polo or tennis, boxing, practicing judo, cowboying or going on safari, our 26th president wove a rich tapestry. In between forks-full of roast beef, my dinner guest would inspire me with stories of his multi-faceted zest for life.

Just as I aspire to be, Theodore Roosevelt was also an author, having written 18 books. Perhaps over dessert, Mr. President could share with me the ways in which he turned his many interests into published literature.

Theodore Roosevelt’s bold leadership style and ability to see a future beyond himself would greatly benefit our country these days, besides making for fascinating company. For those reasons, he is my first choice of presidential dining partners.

Plus, because President Roosevelt was not one for sitting idle, I’d wager he’d even do the dishes. Now that’s the ultimate dinner date!