 "Photo: Courtesy Photo")
Aggie math and science majors might want to consider adding a few English classes to their elective class schedule. Ronald C. Thompson did not think of doing that when he graduated from Texas A&M in 1971 with a masters of science degree in physical oceanography, but he might wish he had now.
Thompson published a children's book, "Astronaut Training, The Adventures of Curtis, Connie and Cosmic Cat."
"I didn't study writing. I spent most of my time taking technical courses and mathematics," Thompson said. "My science background encompassed most major disciplines of science such as biology, chemistry, geology and especially physics."
Thompson's success did not ride on any English classes, but he said he had a good background to tell stories.
"It's difficult to pinpoint a happening or an occurrence that inspired my storytelling and writing," Thompson said. "It's something that was instilled into me from when I was very young. My maternal grandfather was from Ireland. He always had a gleam in his eye and could tell stories with the best of them."
Thompson took that inherited "gleam" and put it on paper. His book is about two children who train a cat to be an astronaut.
"I really enjoyed the way he incorporated his childhood, his imagination and his family into the book, and his creative descriptions of what they did to that poor cat," said Sandra Brawner, Thompson's family friend.
As a father, Thompson has a knack for understanding children - a quality he illustrates in his book.
"When my children were young, I read many books and stories to them," Thompson said. "After a few readings of the same story, I would change it a bit and head it in a different direction. I would also have my children tell me stories. I would ask them to tell me a story about three things such as a rock, a bird and wagon. I got some very interesting stories and insights into how young children think."
Thompson said he is a firm believer in passing on stories.
"Becoming a published author means that I have managed to get many of my ideas and stories out to the public so that they too will be able to, hopefully, enjoy them," Thompson said. "It passes on some the stories and concepts that I have had passed down to me. It helps me to know that, indirectly, my forebearers will live on in my stories. It also gets me closer to being able to spend more time writing."
Brawner said Thompson's book does a good job of representing the person he is and the person A&M helped him become.
"I truly believe that anyone who reads the book will not only be entertained but will receive the message that Ron is trying to send of love and close family ties," she said.
A&M graduate know about the ties the Aggie family provides.
"One of my favorite things is that no matter where you are in the world you can find an Aggie," Thompson said. "They seem to be everywhere. It's good to know that there is always a person with shared memories nearby."
Thompson attributes some of his personal success to A&M.
"My forebearers and my upbringing had a lot to do with my ability to tell a story," Thompson said. "My grandparents and my parents had a great deal of input into my thinking process and storytelling background. I can't forget the education that I received at the various colleges and universities that I went to, especially Texas A&M."
Thompson also has many supporters from his friends and family.
"I liked it a whole bunch," said Calvin Henley, friend of Thompson. "I thought it would be an excellent book for young people. I may have helped convince him to get it published."
Henley said he takes credit for assisting Thompson with publishing the book.
"I am his unofficial editor," Henley said. "I am legally blind, but I put it on my machine and I read it and tell him what I think and the changes I think should be made."
Thompson has received help and encouragement and will continue to receive support with future projects.
"We wish Ron all the success he deserves," Brawner said. "He has written many books and never gets discouraged when he is rejected, but this happens to the best of the best writers."
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