I observe our young generation as much as it is exposed to me. My younger brother is a part of this growing youth, and I've seen him develop through the gentle and painful process of life. You can only imagine the expectations I have for him, and how much hope I store in his capacity for success. As I see him getting older, I can't help but realize that at times, his actions are misguided and his thoughts are in potentially dangerous places. When I think back to my younger days, I too was misguided and changed for better or for worse. I couldn't help but wonder, what motivates young people to act in a way that can benefit them in the future? What is it that consumes their everyday thought process that distinguishes them from being failures or accomplished?
At the risk of sounding like an old conservative fart, I am going to direct attention, first, to culture. Mind you, I am not blaming our culture, as I believe it is a wonderful one, and if individual and circumstance allows, can provide unlimited possibilities. But what about the part of our culture that is thoughtless, inconsiderate, and tasteless? I guess these things are subjective, arguably. I guess part of the blame for misguided youth can be laid on parents. But even if you were so lucky to have a parent giving all of their energy to raising you- letalone two parents- culture blankets all but the most reclusive individuals.
Peer pressure permeates, television resounds instead of the intellect, and the war games create images of glory and gore... the impressionable mind is molded by sights and sounds of main stream money makers and trend setters.
I can direct the rest to poor educational systems, and again, poor parenting.
However, children have this amazing capacity to overcome. As a older sibling and role model for my brother who is eleven years my junior, I figure the only way to help him realize his independence and his potential is to lead by example. I think we need to embrace the fact that our society can breed some less than quality thinking, but admiration and desire can balance the angst of most.
I consider it a life accomplishment to directly and positively impact a young person in this way. I find myself improving while I strive to do this (not that asserting influence is my sole reason for betterment). The more success I pour into my cup, the more others thirst for some in theirs.
Unfortunately, kids don't always have the kind of role model they need. That's why good education, inspirational teachers, and compelling literature is monumental. Even for adults, these things are indispensable.
Mentor a kid- it might change the course of the world. Or maybe one life.
It's up to each individual child who s/he decides to look up to. Is it a rock star? A rapper? A teacher?
I can't say I had any teacher that really impacted my life. I had decent teachers most of the time, but no one really pushed me to be successful. I skated by in high school. I had no motivation for college work.
I'm 31 and still an undergrad. I still don;t have that resounding inspiration to be successful, quite honestly. My biggest motivation is to stay in school so I don't have to pay back loans quite yet.
I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I'm getting a bach degree in general studies with focus on social and behavioral sciences. I think I might go for a master's in social work... but then what?
Society right now... it doesn't look so hopeful. I can see why so many young people are discouraged. Degreed family members are losing jobs, not because of their own lack of merit, but because of our current economy. This is a scary time. So, how good of a mentor would I be?
-Sonja :)
YES WE DID