Recently, I had to small fortune of traveling with 7 students to a State Leadership Conference in Wichita, KS. My personal anticipation for this event was greatly overshadowed by the large personal cloud of responsibility. I was driving a school suburban with 6 precious passengers that belong and are dependents to other people. These 6 passengers became my precious cargo that I was entrusted with. The thing about driving with teenagers ranging in age from 15-17 is that they are learning and practicing drivers themselves. They ALL assumed the role "all-time-back-seat-driver."
At first I could tune it out, but man, as they carefully observed every maneuver or adjustment this large white suburban took on the country highway my stress level began to rise. The wind in Kansas can be fierce, and this just happened to be one of those days.
So, we leave on a Sunday evening with excitement under our wings, energy and sugar coursing through our veins with only our voices and the radio static to keep us entertained. Students shared personal stories, we laughed and listened to one another. They make comments like, "Whoa, geez Muha, swerve much?!" To which I reply, ever so calmly, "why thank you for noticing the wind and it's effect on a large SUV."
This continues for about 2.5 hours with intermittent, "I have to pee!" proclamations, surprisingly NOT from me;) It's amazing how observant these lovely Teens are...allow me to continue.
We arrive Sunday evening, have a good time "bonding" and helping a fellow student prepare for a competition the next day. We all retire to bed and try to sleep and store rest for the next 2 days. We have some down time Monday and I continue to be observed by my roomies. I shacked up with two teens, they share a bed, I fly solo. We have to share all the necessities that go along with sharing a hotel room such as lights, air-conditioner, noises in the night...You can imagine the things they take notice of as I am without make up/bed-head/pjs/post-shower clothes...
Finally Monday night as I was attempting to introduce students to the wonder of Gelato at a place no longer around called CHILL, I reached the boiling point. Comment, after comment, after comment about my driving or navigational abilities (or lackthereof) and everyone else on the road driving, I said, "Oh my goodness! Why are you all up in my BIDNESS?! You guys are like documenting every little thing I do! Why?!?!"
There was a pause for a moment.
Then, a brave, outspoken one said, "it's because we look up to you." That was followed by, "yeahs" and head nods by the remaining passengers.
I looked in the rear-view mirror at their youthful faces and smiled and said, "Oh...okay, then. Well...thanks."
I exhaled a much needed CO2 release and felt lighter.
"Oh... it's a good thing that they're watching and documenting everything I do." I thought to myself. And, "Oh yeah... this IS a privilege to be here right now with these young, eager to grow and learn adolescents; one I might not get again," I reflected back to myself.
Oh yeah...it's good to be reminded of that gift when I'm getting lost in Wichita and my brain never reconciled with the directions. It was as if I never got my bearings, but they kept on watching and paying attention to my reactions, my responses, my comments, all of it. I think back to myself and am grateful and have clarity as to why I was so tired when I got home after it all.
Oh yeah...this is why I'm a Teacher. Thanks kids.
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