Today my job had me go to a high school to sit in on my partner’s “college presentation” to see exactly what we’re telling today’s yoots about higher education. And although the presentation was very informative, what caught my attention the second I walked into the high school was the fact that I am old.
I officially do not pass for a high school student.
No, I do not text in class. I do not talk an octave louder than I should just so the boy behind me could hear my witty remark. I do not say “I don’t know” to qualify every statement I make. And I do not shout out statements just to be heard (except when I do).
No, now I sit quietly and wait my turn to speak. I assert my statements with facts. I speak in an “inside-voice” volume, and I don’t look bored to be wherever I am.
For better or worse, I am an adult.
But let’s not forget that I am still young. In fact, I am at the crucial age where I can do whatever I want. I now have the time and (kind of) the money to go and do and say whatever I want (within reason).
So this is a call to action for myself and all those who feel themselves young (whether at heart or age) and unattached to go out there and do whatever the hell it is they want to do.
Go buy yourself some gourmet pizza!
Go do that laundry!
Go drink a bottle of wine in one night by yourself!
Go on a road trip!
Go skydiving!
Go write a novel!
Go pay your taxes!
Go dust your books!
Go to Chuck E Cheese!
Go solve some math problems!
Go live your life.
As I am going to go live mine. Right after this show is over. And the next.
-The Boxcar Children
Yeah, I’ve been working with a local HS creative writing class and the more I come and work with those kids, the more I realize that not only am I “old,” but I’m going to be a real bitch as a teacher…
* I don’t text message in class (right in front of the teacher!)
* I don’t listen to my iPod in class (one in, other handing, cord visible)
* I don’t say “like” and “I don’t know” and “I just liked it…,” etc.
* I treat my teachers and class mates with respect
Not to sound like the curmudgeon I’m growing up to be, but I don’t like kids in up and coming generations…
True Dat!