That's probably a weird thing to say, teenagers are moody, frustrating, and need a serious attitude check right? Wrong.
Plus it helps that I'm not that far removed from being a teenager myself, it was only 6 years ago I was eighteen and honestly when I let myself think about it I can still vividly recall many of my emotions and experiences especially from ages 15-18. Don't get me wrong, I would never relive them not for anything in the world, but they were important years of shaping, learning, and growing.
It was in those years I realized how much power--for good and ill--were in my emotions. I realized how much I could care for people, but also how easy it could be to hurt someone, to be the cause of their tears. These were the years where I gained more independence, where I traveled, got around by myself, and dabbled into love.
And as many people know I have a lot of frustrations with my job. I often feel ill equipped to do my best. I get overwhelmed, and at this point I'm pretty convinced formal classroom teaching would be much worse for me. I just don't want the responsibility, groups make me feel unsafe, but back to my main point. I have these issues with the job, but everyday I am reminded that teenagers are awesome and here's why.
1. They are a weird mix of kid and adult--I actually think it's an endearing quality: it means they'll get into games and will be highly motivated by candy, but you can also have a meaningful conversation with them about what's going on in their lives and the world. They're naive in some ways, but they're so earnestly ready to explore and discover. It's the fun mix of looking up to you for advice on college, but also having those big aspirations about their lives.
2. They are passionate--Sometimes I feel like I'm getting older. My students keep me youthful with their passion. You ever feel like the world is a little dull and theirs not much to look forward to, you don't even have to ask them about a big topic, just ask a teen about food or sleeping, for some teens it's a way of life. Teens have strong views about the world and where they fit into it, if you take a moment to listen their fervor could inspire you.
3. They call out B.S.--As adults we're used to being polite and letting things go. Teenagers hate any ounce of unfairness or injustice whether it's letting someone go get water before them (because they asked first), or seeing injustice in their neighborhood or the wider world. Teens can be quick to make hard lines in gray areas, but they dislike hypocrisy and will call you out when you're not doing right by them (as they see it anyway).
4. They brim with possibility--From who they are, what they might do, how they'll contribute to the world, or even who they might love, so much is possible at this age. I love reminding my teens just how young they are, because I feel in my 20s there is still so much change and possibility in my life, for them it's even more so. They're young they can fall in love a thousand times, try out tons of hobbies, do a cool new job every summer and who knows what they'll stick to and latch on to, the possibilities are limitless.
While working in a school might not be the best fit I'm convinced I will never get tired of spending time with teenagers angst and all. I guess it is in part because I'm not that far removed from it myself--honestly I still have my angsty days. And well, there is nothing like talking with a teen about their life, laughing with them, encouraging the good you see in them. It fills me in a way that nothing else in my life quite does. As troublesome as they can be, I'm grateful for this season of life where my job is supporting, educating, and spending time with teenagers.
