I have been told that I have too much faith in kids. Some people question my unwavering belief in teenagers ability to transcend their lives. Am I an eternal optimist or have I just simply spent too much time with kids?
Recently, my professional foundation was reaffirmed by some very wise words a colleague shared with me. I find myself being guided in my work by her very important message.
Her very simple, yet extremely important statement has resonated with me daily. "I find it interesting that people spend so much time focussing on how hideous kids are. They really don't take the time to see how many of these kids are truly amazing human beings."
In my role as a school counselor, I often hear people complain about teenagers. Adults of all ages seem to have an opinion about the direction these young adults are going.
If there is something that I know for sure, it is that our youth are going in directions that I never dreamed of. They are living in a world that is almost impossible to keep up with.
They are balancing and managing situations and circumstances that didn't exist when I was their age.
They are more resilient than the strongest adult I know, and they have no idea they are.
I wish some of the adults who doubt the amazing abilities of these kids could spend just one day in my office. Just one hour listening to the stories and lives some of our teens live.
There isn't a day that goes by where I am not truly impressed and amazed, at the courage and strength many of them demonstrate. No matter what horrific things come their way, they always seem to find a way to get up every morning and persevere.
They are not a victim of their circumstances. I see them deal with the disappointment that has become such a normal part of their life. I watch them face it head on and push through.
They are living their life with intention and making decisions that will change the course of their journey.
I am so thankful for the students who have spent time in my office. I am honored that they have trusted me with their stories. Eternally grateful that they have taught me about civility, humanity, and grit.
There are many days that I prefer to spend my time with teenagers rather than adults. I find that they are more interesting, insightful, and compassionate.
Adults are often times the ones that complicate things. We create the crises that penetrate their lives on a daily basis. We display and model the exact same behavior that we fault them for.
They look to us for guidance and we often let them down. No wonder they are lost. No wonder they turn to technology and social media for connection, guidance, and validation.
Imagine what would happen if we stopped making a division between us and them. Think about how much could be accomplished if we just reached out and made a connection. How powerful forming a relationship could be.
If we don't give up on them, they won't give up on us. They are often much more accepting of us than we are of them.
Take a chance -- reach out and make a connection. Go ahead, give it a try. You might find that you really like kids these days.