Shame on us!
As a child, I often questioned the necessity of mundane tasks like brushing my teeth, attending school, and adhering to rules. They seemed like mere control tactics, albeit necessary ones. However, as I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate these seemingly trivial chores for what they truly are: character and discipline builders. I shudder to think what state my teeth would be in had I neglected daily brushing. The habit, ingrained in me since childhood, is now second nature. Looking back, my poor dietary habits as a youth resulted in multiple cavities, highlighting the importance of daily oral hygiene.
Now, as a teacher, I grasp the significance of education in shaping a productive society. While I advocate for improvements in the public school system, I firmly believe in the transformative power of education. Despite holding three degrees, I reflect on my own educational journey with a tinge of regret. Rushing into college straight after high school, I lacked direction and squandered my undergraduate years in a haze of parties. Even during a year-long hiatus working, clarity eluded me. I simply knew I didn’t want a life confined to a factory.
As for rules, I once scoffed at them, always seeking shortcuts—a mindset now dubbed “hacking.” My reckless behavior, including reckless driving and multiple arrests, could have had dire consequences. Miraculously unscathed, I bore the weight of a criminal record for almost two decades, a constant reminder of my past misdeeds. Paradoxically, this turbulent journey reinforced my belief in the necessity of rules and their stringent enforcement.
Shame on Us
Today, it’s disheartening to witness adults relinquishing control to the younger generation, allowing them to dictate treatment and norms. Our complacency has fueled a culture of entitlement, eroding respect and fostering victim mentalities. Technological advancements, rather than propelling us forward, seem to have regressed us. It’s time for adults to reclaim authority and steer the younger generation toward positivity.
Having spent eight years in middle school education, I’ve witnessed a concerning trend: an aversion to failure. Rather than confront challenges, today’s youth opt for premature surrender, seeking instant gratification through fleeting trends and mindless distractions. School, once a bastion of learning, has become a glorified daycare in their eyes. It’s a disservice to them and a failure on our part as adults to permit such behavior.
In conclusion, let us not abdicate our responsibility as stewards of the next generation. Instead, let us instill values of resilience, respect, and responsibility, guiding them towards a future defined by purpose and achievement