As a high school teacher and coach I can honestly tell you that I love teenagers. Not all of them every day and not all of them on the same day but it is such a fun age to work with b/c you can really feel like you are making an impression and a difference. Really helping them to grow into independent young adults. I think of the difference in Nolan and Peyton right now.... just about four years. It is obvious how much a person changes from an infant to a four year old. But honestly a 14 year old to an 18 year old changes just as much. You have to look closer sometimes but they grow and evolve tremendously. As a coach you work with the same kids for four years and really get to see those changes.
Let me preface the rest of this by saying I had a really great high school experience. I had good friends, was successful in the classroom and on the court. I found friends who didn't push me into things I didn't want to do and who for the most part really accepted me for me.
Saying all of that high school can be some of the hardest/cruelest years of a persons life. Here are couple things I know to be true!
1. High school is the meanest sociological experiment I could ever think of! You are crammed into a building with hundreds or even thousands of other egocentric, hormonal beings who are also just trying to survive. This does not always lead to kindness and thoughtfulness toward others. Especially those who are "different" then you are. And with all of this you CAN'T escape!!!! But you will..... and you will learn a LOT in the process.
2. You are not as awkward as you think you are! Even the the prettiest most put together teenager is somewhat insecure. No matter how much more you think he or she has it together they are also insecure. Especially in that awkward sophomore year! So push through.... If you can be confident in those halls you'll be ok later.
3. There is at least one adult in the building you can relate to and who wants to HELP when you need it! I can't think of a single teacher who doesn't like kids that is a teacher! We may not all show it the way you want us to but we do care. So talk to someone... even if it is just to have someone to chat with. We want to be there for ya!
4. It isn't fair you are right! Adults do have more choices. If I get really busy with something outside of teaching I can postpone grading a day and that is not true for you. If you have a big game, your boyfriend and you get in a fight, and you have two tests the next day you don't get to postpone the test.... you gotta take it. Now to be fair to teachers I can't postpone or move everything, but I don't usually have to go home and work for four hours. You often have no choice. College does get better because you aren't in class ALL DAY. You can budget your time better. Of course those of you with a bunch of free periods.... well....
5. Drive with the windows rolled down and SING LOUD! As stressful as high school was there were moments when I first got my license that were the freest I EVER felt in my life. No bills to pay, no one else dependent on me (at least not in the adult sense) and the best 90s music! Enjoy those moments at the lake in the summer and sleeping in until noon. You will never be that free again!
6. College will be AWESOME! No matter how much you love or hate high school.... College will be better. People leave each other alone in college.... people just aren't as worried about other people. Maybe it is because colleges are so big, maybe it is getting out of the super awkward years, or maybe we actually learn from our mistakes in high school but people just are less judgy (I think I made up a word there). You will meet your life long friends who share your ways of thinking in college. You might meet your husband or wife and it is just plain fun!
To my favorite teenagers whom I love and worry about daily you can do this..... it will be the best and worst times all rolled into one!
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