One of my students asked me today to summarize the “character” of the outgoing senior class. Whoa . . . what a loaded question! I sat back for a moment and thought about the previous two senior classes I have had the pleasure of teaching at my current school and tried to create a quick comparison of their “character”. I then began my all too honest answer: this class just seemed to “be”. In this class there are truly no overachievers, there are also no real troublemakers. Most of the students would try to obtain an “A”, but would be completely satisfied with a “C” if it meant they did not have to do extra studying or extra work. Overall, they are not big dreamers–many plan to work through college, begin families, and work at otherwise secure jobs (government, education, etc.)
So this student and I (and the other 6 who were in attendance today due to a field trip removing much of my class) began discussing the reasons for this “character”. One brought up the current economics of our country and how this class seems to be planning the safe route for their lives. Another brought up the effect of 9/11 on this class, most of whom would have been around 11 and fully capable of understanding the scenario. However, they still would have been young enough for their parents to comfort them. Still another pointed out the demographics of our little town and how many of the students graduating this year are rather “new” to our area (having been here for 5 years or less).
I interjected my thoughts here and there, but mostly sat listening, amazed, as these juniors talked about adult issues as though they had lived on their own for years. And really understanding how events in our history can effect the overall “character” of an entire class of students . . . or an entire generation! As a math teacher, I am usually not afforded the opportunity to have class discussions of this sort with my students . . . at least not the way an economics or psychology or business teacher would. But, today, for at least one hour, I was able to see into the deep thoughts of my students and the fears they have about facing the world that will one day be theirs to lead!
These students made me rethink my initial response to the question: the character of this class? Maybe it’s not just to “be”. Maybe it is to be a mom or a dad; to be an employee who helps others, but doesn’t sabotage them to get ahead; to be satisfied no matter what the circumstances; and to be happy in the face of uncertainty.
