George Washington became official surveyor for Culpepper County, Virginia when he was 17 years old. Three years later he became district adjutant of the militia, with the rank of major.
Or more directly relevant: David Farragut, who became the U.S. Navy’s first Admiral at age 65, was given command of his first ship at age 12.
Teens can do amazing things if we give them a chance and hold high expectations from them.
The calm is on the water,
and part of us would linger by the shore.
Ships are safe in harbor
but that’s not what ships are for.