Businesswoman Chapter 53

When they walked in the room, the children sat up straight. The fourth graders sat like they had steel rods in their backs. Smiles let Loreen and Lisa know the power of their own presence. Pride enveloped their souls.

“Class,” Miss Swinton chimed, “Say good morning to Businesswoman and Businessgirl.”

The class intoned together with a few giggles.

Miss Swinton continued. “Let us listen to what they have to say.”

“Thank you,” Loreen mentioned. “Who in here likes money?”

Hands shot up like rockets. “How many of you have a jr. bank account?” The hands slowly lowered.

“No worries,” Lisa reassured. “We’re going to tell you the easy way to save money you get from gifts and from your allowances.”

“Exactly. This is the perfect time for all of you to know about money—” A child named Hezekiah left the room abruptly.

“Hezekiah! What’s the matter?” Miss Swinton called but he was already out of the room.

“One moment ladies. I’m going to talk with him.”

“I’ll go with you,” Lisa volunteered.

“That’s fine,” the teacher replied. Loreen, a former teacher herself of high school children and college kids, could control a classroom.

“With the knowledge you get today, you will be glad when you’re much older and enter the work world. What’s cool is the fact you can start saving now and use that cash to put into what are called portfolios. You might remember that from the folders of your work for Miss Swinton.”

Both Lisa and Miss Swinton coaxed Hezekiah.

“What’s wrong, bud?” Miss Swinton asked.

“My family doesn’t worship money.”

Lisa stepped in and came down to his level.

“That’s okay. You just have to respect money. Okay?”

Hezekiah looked down and then up again. “Alright.” All three re-entered a class completely focused on Loreen’s words.