I have heard it said that the traits and personalities we develop in kindergarten will carry over the same in adulthood. We may change here or there but in general we will be the same. That being said, I really hope that none of you are still eating glue or wetting your pants if you can’t get your jeans unbuttoned in time.
Working as a high school teacher, I am constantly propelled back into my teenage years. 10 years ago I was smack dab in the middle of high school, probably out of uniform, talking in class or trying to make the teacher laugh. These are the years I was trying to find my place and my voice. I watch my students grapple with the real important issues – where they are going Friday night? What she/he said about she/he? You know, the big issues. I laugh at them when they are “so pissed” at one of their best friends but then think of the times when I would act the same, the difficult life lessons I learnt about what friendship is, and what makes a true friend. Or, when the boy they are crushing on doesn’t seem to reciprocate; my heart aches thinking of my overweight high school self and how I was always “just a friend”. 10 years ago these were the big problems and now in retrospect I see how all of that has helped me appreciate what I have now and the decisions I have had to make.
Now as an adult (some may argue) I have been through a whirlwind and I want to shake my students urging them to make changes, telling them that high school will be over soon and in real life you have to make real decisions.
But…
Then I think of all the earth shattering problems I faced in high school have become so miniscule now, and those mountains I had to climb in university were nothing compared to the battles I have fought recently.
The point is, you survive. You live. More importantly you learn. As a wonderful and loved friend of mine says “Practice, Patience, Progress.”
What I have learnt so far is to keep your chin held high, be kind, confident and more importantly, humble. Laugh whenever possible and take time for yourself. When you try to please everyone you will always end up hurting people and mostly yourself. Things can always get worse so appreciate the lesson and learn it well so you are better prepared for the next hurdle. Spend time with those you love because “talk to you soon” may not come as soon as you would like.
Love deeply, learn wisely, and laugh loudly.
Imagine the perspective you'll have when you are MY age -- I remember at your age thinking I had it all together -- not so much.
ReplyDeletethat's what's cool about the learning curve -- more like a roller coaster ride.
You mean there ARE more important problems than what I say about you behind your back?? lol
ReplyDeleteYou're right though, about the way we learn. It's why we have to let them think their issues are so "earth shattering" so they can learn how to handle themselves when they ultimately end up facing a true crisis.
You know, something really tough, like deciding when you're old enough to give up on men and just adopt that second (and third, and fourth...)cat you've been thinking about.