Borders at 18th and L Streets in NW Washington, DC (photo: Reed)
I am back in DC. I went to Borders Book Store to pick up a gift for some friends who are moving back to Finland. As I wandered around the store I found Madison searching through the non-fiction books.
I was surprised to find out that Madison was only 14. She looked a little older and is very mature. She lives in Virginia and is starting the 10th grade this fall.
I asked her what kind of book she was looking for and she said that she was looking for a biography on Marilyn Monroe. “She fascinates me; her whole attitude toward life.” She perused the many books they had on the pop icon but I don’t think she ended up finding the one she wanted. Or she just ran out of time since she ended up chatting with me for a while.
Madison seems like a very good student. She is enrolled in an intensive Geometry course this summer so that she can skip it next year and move right into Algebra II. Geometry though has not been easy for her. She said she preferred Algebra over Geometry. I was just the opposite. I did really well in Geometry but nearly failed Algebra II. She says that History is her favorite subject. I would have to agree, it was one of my favorites too.
When she is not at school or studying, Madison likes to play volleyball and participate in her student government and school clubs. She seems to like the private school that she attends.
Our conversation makes its way back to the $10. “What do you think you might do with it?” She thought about the question and said that she would probably buy lunch for herself the following day at school. “During the summer the school cafeteria is not open,” she explains so she has to get lunch on her own.
photo: Reed
About this time I think I asked her if she was originally from DC and she said that she was but that she had moved and then came back at some point because of her dad’s job. “What’s your dad do?” I asked. I would have never expected the response. “He used to play in the NFL,” she replies in a very humble tone. I inquired who her father was. I won’t mention his name here, but he was a first round draft pick that went on to play eight seasons of professional football. For someone who grew up the daughter of such a well-known public figure she seems incredibly grounded and genuine.
Speaking of her dad she looked at the time and said, “I actually have to go meet him now.” I finished up my questions and we said goodbye. She opted not to have her photo included, which I totally understand for various reasons.
What a smart young lady. I was really impressed with her. Just how she carried herself and the intelligent questions she asked. We as society can sleep well at night knowing that it’s people like Madison that will become tomorrow’s leaders.
Year of Giving 
It is so nice to hear about young people who are wise beyond their years. She should do well.
Thank you so much for writing this! Its so sweet and well written. I was hesitant about talking to you at first, but once I started to speak with you I fealt right at ease you were very kind and respectful to me so again thanks and I look forward to reading the rest of the blog
Madison, you are such a bright young lady. I know you were hesitant, but I think you were correct in being cautious. I am proud to say that I know such an inspiring young person. Reach for the sky! -Reed