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[Nov. 20th, 2009|12:10 pm] |
I finally had a student ask me why I always have to have something in my hand. I found this to be quite observant of her, and I couldn't help but smile while I gave her my reason. It's simple, really. Yet, it actually isn't simple at all. Some find it childish, but I'm a perfectly mature adult despite whatever compulsions I might have. On this particular day, it was my scarf that occupied my palm and ran smoothly through my fingers over and over and over. I hadn't noticed I was doing it, which is normal for me, as it's something I adjusted to so long ago. She noticed, and not trying to be rude or offensive, she asked why I was doing it. It's comforting. I said. And a habit, I guess. I remind myself of Linus, from The Peanuts. He always had that blanket.
It takes some humility and skill to put yourself on a child's level when communicating with them and still remain the adult with authority. Something I've seen in schools and well, really everywhere, is the lack of respect that adults show children. It's distressing to me, and I can only imagine how bad it makes the children feel. I wish more people could realize just how alike we all are. Adults aren't so different from children, really, it's like this line from a song I love. "Our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up". Who would want to lose all of their child-selves. I hate to think how unbearable life could be should that be the fate of everyone. And don't get me wrong, children are disrespectful to adults too, but that comes from not being taught otherwise, among other reasons. In the end, I believe that every being deserves respect, and should give it as well. Don't tell me that I have impossibly high hopes for the world. Nothing is impossible.
I don't really know who I'm telling this to, or why I'm telling it, but I felt the need to share. I've used a computer for years and years, but for some reason, this feels so foreign. I see I'm late to the game making use of these, but better tardy than never, right? |
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[Nov. 19th, 2009|05:45 pm] |
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