The Power of Youth
I know, another story about the abilities of young people. Yawn…
Well, being a teacher I’m surrounded by it all day sometimes 7 days a week. Kids, children, little ones, young adults, students, ect. They all share one thing in common…boundless energy and a constant need for affirmation and attention. Not a day goes by that I walk into my high school job with plans of getting caught up on work. However, not a day goes by that my work takes a back seat to the needs of students who are after one thing: guidance from me on how to make a way in this world and to find a way to learn how to get there themselves.
Admittedly, I become very impatient with students at least a dozen or more times a day. I then become remorseful remembering that they are looking for guidance and answers to the multitude of dilemma’s they face. I remind myself constantly that they are (no matter how big, strong, or mature) still children that are unprepared for the dangers, issues, and requirements of a world run by adults who, unfortunately, don’t have all the answers. In fact, I don’t think many adults even know the questions.
I could blab on and on about this subject telling story after story, but why don’t we just end with this: Take a day where you really listen to what the young people around you are saying. Really hear them, don’t blow them off. If they ask give them advice. If they are about to make a mistake be hard on them and tell them the real end result if they are going down that wrong path. Also make sure to tell them that you will always be there for them as best as you can…after all, life is busy for everyone. Finally, and most importantly, tell them how you care and then you may discover that they can handle everything else. They just wanted to know that you were there…
Mark
Well, being a teacher I’m surrounded by it all day sometimes 7 days a week. Kids, children, little ones, young adults, students, ect. They all share one thing in common…boundless energy and a constant need for affirmation and attention. Not a day goes by that I walk into my high school job with plans of getting caught up on work. However, not a day goes by that my work takes a back seat to the needs of students who are after one thing: guidance from me on how to make a way in this world and to find a way to learn how to get there themselves.
Admittedly, I become very impatient with students at least a dozen or more times a day. I then become remorseful remembering that they are looking for guidance and answers to the multitude of dilemma’s they face. I remind myself constantly that they are (no matter how big, strong, or mature) still children that are unprepared for the dangers, issues, and requirements of a world run by adults who, unfortunately, don’t have all the answers. In fact, I don’t think many adults even know the questions.
I could blab on and on about this subject telling story after story, but why don’t we just end with this: Take a day where you really listen to what the young people around you are saying. Really hear them, don’t blow them off. If they ask give them advice. If they are about to make a mistake be hard on them and tell them the real end result if they are going down that wrong path. Also make sure to tell them that you will always be there for them as best as you can…after all, life is busy for everyone. Finally, and most importantly, tell them how you care and then you may discover that they can handle everything else. They just wanted to know that you were there…
Mark
