Positive Interactions Allow Individuals to Emerge From the Mass
#4 life lessons from the children
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo Buscaglia
As a public school administrator, a morning walk down through the halls provided a feel for the the mood of the student body and measured the pulse of the environment. On any given day, after shedding my purse, coat and storing my lunch, I strolled the halls greeting students with a high five, and questions about their previous evening.
Greeting the students allowed them to become individuals with possibilities instead of a mass of bodies without personalities and promise. As I came to know them I heard their voices asking to be noticed. In truth, they never spoke the words seeking acceptance but their eyes shared thoughts and emotions that were never voiced. Over the years, observations revealed children searching for their identities.
Each child had a story to tell. Anthony dressed in a red and white striped shirt, tight jeans, carried a backpack and wore black-rimmed glasses. Restraint and concern that students might pick up my chant restricted me from exclaiming, “Where’s Waldo!”
In the Eye Spy books, Waldo was forgetful and lost. He roamed the book and with each page turned dropped a personal belonging. Much the same, Anthony roamed the halls. Because of his impulsiveness, teachers repeatedly asked him to put his cell phone in his locker, and he often required redirection to slow down and keep his hands to himself. Anthony provided a visual reminder that students are children searching for their place in the world.
Other students huddled in groups talking about everything and nothing all. Some sat on the floor, leaned against lockers and worked on homework they had neglected the night before oblivious of the world around them. All had a story to tell.
I remember walking the school halls in my youth. The memories still haunt me because those times when I stood surrounded by a mass of bodies were the times I felt most alone. So as I walk the halls as an adult, I pray my smile offers inspiration, a high five provides support, and a simple question shares I care.
Christie Ehlers
It will be nice to get away from these halls eyes watch mouths label: Jocks, Goths, Intellects, Slackers, Players Geeks, Gays, Hipsters, Preps, Gamers
It doesn’t matter to me what color people are What they do or Who they do it with
Grams says, “Hearts like doors open with ease When you say thank you and if you say please.”
She also taught me it’s best to forgive, “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.”
Grams is smart for someone who never attended school past fifth grade, “A smile is the one thing that multiplies when you give it away.”
So, I compliment other students Thank teachers Show kindness Forgive And smile
Jack Pitman
I like the challenges of life Schoolwork not being a challenge
I observe the world around me — my domain Watch for opportunities to elevate my status among those who think they are important: Athletes, cheerleaders, Christians, Boy Scouts They all follow the rules granting others power
I always look adults in the eyes Not because I fear them but to show that I don’t My stares create suspicion I know Never turn my back to them They never turn their backs on me I talk little in a world that worships words
I may look ragged, however be wary Looks are deceiving With multiple watches on my right arm, I inspire questions. But the answers are lies The need to ask questions shows weakness Time is controlled by people who see relevance in the present
Body language is my mode of communication My head nod offers acknowledgement My handshake suggests promises My words never incriminate If I stay in your presence, it means interest but don’t be confused, I don’t care I withdrawal from a world that covets acceptance
In my world, the challenge is the chance to make a deal to my benefit
Jenna Arnold
When I am with Bree, I’ve learned to look confused
I know to dress like Sparrow short skirts and crop tops
I watch. Peyton gets happy when she’s the center of attention
I listen to whoever stands next to me I nod I stand in the middle of the group unnoticed My friends define me creating my identity
Jesse’s attendance at my party will cement my reputation My bikini will assure I’ll be remembered Everyone will know I am somebody
Unlike Dora Quick, I am not a social fruit fly By being with them, I am one of them
Nick Eldridge
As an observant watcher, I am excluded and seclude myself Boys walk the halls in packs Acknowledge each other with nods I follow a few paces behind
During lunch, I never eat Instead, move slowly to merge Seemingly a member of many groups In the bathroom, the walls hold my attention No eyes reflect in the mirror
No footprints remain where I walk The absence of my picture in the yearbook goes unnoticed like my absence of emotion By being alone without attachments I am one with many
Poetry comes from Locker’s Speak, a compilation of students’ thoughts and response to life experiences.
In the classroom, I observed human experiences that demonstrated the possibilities for humans to share pain and joy. I learned the art of being fully human demands we accept life with open arms and embrace whatever and whoever comes our way.
As a teacher, I believed my job was to educate children. By the time I retired, I understood education is the process of learning to live life to the fullest while sharing compassion.
Read more lessons from the children.
