I was debating whether or not to post this one. But here goes...
Some of my students live sad lives. It is not that they all go home to alcoholic and abusive parents, it's not even that they have no emotional support beams, and I doubt that their problems come from economically unstable homes.
In fact, they have everything. Every classroom has a Smartboard, their textbooks are updated, they are stocked full of resources. And students have been accustomed to technology and new things because the fact is they live in a place where they expect to be provided for. Most students can expect a meal when they go home. Many can afford to pay the cafeteria full price. Students have cell phones and i-pods.
In light of all their securities, something I noticed from day one, the students in these classes have an overall personality. They are sad.
I know this sadness because they have told me.
One says, "I need to see the counselor," and later, "I'm just depressed, okay!"
Another says, "I can't remain positive writing this 'I AM' poem. I am not happy."
One girl can hide behind her book all day. One young man can crack jokes and punch through doors almost within the same day. One girl's name is Happy, but we know that she isn't happy. One girl never smiles but studies her best. One boy can find the good in others, but never himself. Three girls find it necessary to be mean to one who sits in front of them.
You may say, "So what? They may just have an off day," or, "They're in seventh grade," or, "They'll come around."
But I see them every day. And every day I see the same student in his or her same state. And I don't know all that constitutes each student or whether they are loved or hated, but I see indifference and I see apathy and I see that they are unhappy.
Who are they?
What is my duty toward them?
Yep. Depressing.
First of all - I love the blog. You are a wonderful writer, full of personality!
ReplyDeleteSecond - It is such a strange disconnect from when we were in school to kids' experience today, despite the fact that it was not many years ago! They have been taught to reach for goals that are, for many, WAY too high, and if they don't reach those goals, they are a failure. "I want to be a superstar. I want to drop a #1 album. I want to be the richest/most beautiful/insert hyperbolic adjective here person on the planet." Trying to figure out how to reach these goals can leave them feeling inadequate and depressed because honestly most people never attain these things. I'm not sure what happened to thinking that being a good teacher, great CPA, honest lawyer, fun parent or any other "average" profession was selling yourself short and underachieving? [off my high horse now]
Personally, I think the best thing you can do for these kids is continue being a great role model. Encourage them to set realistic goals and go after their dreams. Help them to understand that most dreams require hard work and determination and no one gets handed a law degree or record deal. And most of all, be willing to be a sounding board and just listen to them because I think that's what many children today are lacking.
Good luck! I'm so happy you decided to pursue teaching, the world need more of the good ones. ;)