Today, I left school feeling completely frustrated and helpless. My last class of the day, middle schoolers, really made me think a lot about life. One of the boys said,"This is not a life." I had no clue what he was talking about and could tell that he was very passionate about his statement. The bell had just rang and I told them to stop playing cards and take their seats. Of course, being curious as to what he was talking about, I asked him to explain more. He went on to say that he was not living his life, rather studying his life away. He goes to school from 8 am-ish to midnight every night. When he gets home, he finishes his homework and studies. Then, he goes to bed to do it all over again. Doesn't that sound like a great way to live your teenage years? I was worried about having time to fit both my friends and sports into my schedule at his age. I never really worried about finding time to sleep and eat between classes/lessons. However, I did worry about making it to the chip counter before the bell rang to fill my "starving" belly. ha.
So I got to thinking... How can I, as a teacher, expect my students to come to class prepared and ready to learn, when they haven't had a day off since they were able to talk. I have had a few students vent their frustrations, but never had I heard it so simplified and straight to the point. He wasn't really complaining, but merely making a frustrated statement about his life. I didn't really know what to say, other than I completely understand that you all work hard, but we still have a job to get done in here. Later in class, I learned that he spent two years in Canada as a foreign exchange student. By having that experience, I can only imagine that sweet taste of freedom for him, or a chance to relax after school and have FUN. Then, to have it ripped from his grasp by going back to the reality of the Korean standard of education. How could you continue to live in a world where you are feeling suffocated with every breath? Yes, I realize his is 14(?) and doesn't really have a choice, but he knows there is more to life than having a great job and making tons of money. Actually, the whole class understands that philosophy and made it very clear. They asked me why they needed to go to every private school possible, in order to get into an IV-league-ish school, but I just gave them an answer you would hear from a politician (talked but didn't really answer the question). I wasn't going to make up an answer, because I feel the same way. Money doesn't bring happiness, it comes from within and hopefully, doing what you love.
The most discouraging part, is that these kids will probably force their own future children to grow up in the same manner. Hopefully, their generation can start to make a change in their society .
So, I have no answers and I know that aren't any... unless you have some. Thanks for reading. Sorry, I went on tangent. Hopefully, you can better appreciate your own childhood and cherish the memories - - -your freedom and a time to live your imagination. If you feel like you didn't, it is never too late. Your only as old as you let your self be.
Cheers.
xoxo
p.s. Today, a student asked me why they had to do something and I responded, " Because, I said so!" Ahhhhh! I'm totally turning into my parents (no offense). I used to HATE it when they said that. The student wasn't pleased with my response. I thought it was quite humorous.
3 comments:
No worries, Megan. I say "because I said so" to Livia sometimes. Every single time I say it I think about how stupid it is and how much I didn't like when my folks said it... But I keep on sayin' it!!!
Haha! Well, at least I'm not the only one! :) Hope your doing well!
Very poignant post, Megs. It is so interesting to observe how another culture evaluates and prioritizes learning and success. Your perspective is unique and insightful...
Always express your divergent opinions--we all love to hear what you have to say! Love you and thinking of you, as always.
xxoo
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