READY, SET, GOALS at Sunset Elementary

State Sen. Luke Esser, from the 48th District, talked with Sunset Elementary fourth- and fifth-graders on May 26 to enforce the school's focus on leadership and conclude its participation in the "READY, SET, GOALS" program sponsored by Newspapers in Education (NIE) and Wells Fargo.

Sen. Esser told the crowd that one of his earliest obstacles was poor vision. His teacher almost held him back a grade in elementary school, but then he got glasses and discovered he could suddenly read the blackboard and understand his class work. He emphasized that it does not take an official title, like "senator" or "coach" or "president," to set goals and be a leader-what really matters is having the passion to inspire yourself and others, no matter who you are.

The audience bristled with raised hands. Students asked Sen. Esser about the best and worst parts of his job, his favorite bills that he's passed, education policy, his own education, and whether he's a Huskies or Cougars fan (Huskies, all the way). The question that received the most applause, however, was, "Do you like monkeys?" When Sen. Esser responded, "Absolutely, yes," an excited murmur of approval rippled among the small, impressed faces.

READY, SET, GOALS is a part of the Seattle Times' NIE. Along with free newspapers, the yearlong program includes weekly lessons and examples written by the Seattle Seahawks about setting goals and facing challenges. It aims to help students improve their own goal-setting, relationship, communication, and test-taking skills.

NIE supports a wide range of FREE programs for all different grade levels, such as "Science and Research in National Parks," "Continuity and Change in Asia," "Creative Careers," and "Alphabet Safari." Enrolled classes get free Seattle Times newspapers, which enhance the lessons. Learn more at www.seattletimes.com/nie.