Perspective and Reality

Why are so many people afraid of teenagers? For some, they represent anarchy, rebellion, freedom from authority, wild creativity and a dangerous abandonment of ‘common sense’. I don’t see it. Of course, my point of view is one from the classroom. Contrary to what a lot of friends think, teaching isn’t a burden in the slightest, if it comes with a new perspective. Today I shared lunch with a student who has been helping a parent overcome a really bad heart attack by working numerous jobs to pay the family’s bills. I saw students using art to express the ideas of slavery and freedom. I talked to a student who dreams of studying and teaching music for a living. It was a good day. It was empowering to see, listen and share. Maybe there’s more for the world to understand about how the teenage brain works. Maybe there’s nothing wrong with wanting to change the world.