This photo was taken by a PCHS senior who
is following his passion, his talent in photography
and digital media. This pup could be the Humane
Society "spokesmammal."
"I spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly." WB Yeats
Many people around my age, people who grew up post World War II, now know that our country, our national educational system, and our planet, is in a world of hurt. We've been on a linear path--profit, profit, profit. I want to make a profit as well. And while profit is necessary for sustainability, profit doesn't always have to be about money. In fact, if a fat bank account or the "appearance of a fat bank account" is attained at any cost, then the we all suffer. We should be taking care of this place, of each other, of our next generations--X,Y,Z.
Just like my senior English teacher, my muse, Jean Pettigrew before me, I've been teaching at Polk County High School for 15 years. And, how my students have changed. No longer are they thinking just about their little microcosm. Why would they, with Youtube, BBC, TED, cable TV, 4G? The macrocosm is no further than the end of their fingers and beyond their acute vision. My current sea of senior students don't have tunnel vision either. They are tenacling (no, it's not a real word) in, like a hungry squid, the big picture and often want to discuss the videos and themes of Randy Pausch's graduation speech and creativity expert Ken Robinson's "Bring on the Learning Revolution."
My seniors know they face a tough challenge--finding and following their passion AND being sustainable. Seniors worry about choosing the right career, college funds, gas prices, war, pollution, "making it." Yes, some of my seniors talk about making " a lot of money," but also talk about being happy, finding their passion, and making a difference. Maybe cliche but true. As a member of the baby boom generation, who are partially responsible for our current condition, we should have tread on the planet a bit more carefully, as we may have squandered the dreams of our younger generations.
When I was a teenager, I never thought about dwindling natural resources, crumbling global economies, or floundering educational institutions. When "A Nation at Risk" was released by the Reagan blue-ribbon commission, I wasn't paying attention. I was just worried about becoming a CPA so I could make a lot of money. Yes, money, something I grew up without but wanted to get. Lots of money...I didn't even think about "finding my passion" or even having a dream. I'm not sure I was ever really "thinking." Yes, Jean Pettigrew, you told me to follow my passion, but I ignored you. I wasn't even looking. BTW, I never became a CPA. But I do need one.
I rarely stop thinking now because my students are always teaching, questioning, challenging me to get out of the box. Thank goodness my students woke me from my slumber...My own personal growth and awareness is because the Generation X, Y, Z's are looking beyond where they put their feet and asking questions--oil spills, genetically-modified foods, school nutrition, assembly-line-linear education, and prom. Yes, I said prom. They are teenagers, you know.
I'll be posting some interesting student research papers that will have a plethora of topics. You will be impressed and informed. Just like I am. These young people are pretty innovative and creative, unlike me when I was 18. Even though when I was a teenager I never worried about my footsteps, their direction or intensity, I now tread softer...
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