September 5, 2012

  • Writing With Them.

    [It occurred to me, earlier than now, that I should write WITH my students when they write these prompts ...]


    So, here' my G.C. quote pick from this site: 
    #12.  "No one knows what’s next, but everybody does it."
    This is how I feel about those who get married or have kiddies because it's the next step. They haven't allowed themselves to truly think about it enough. Maybe they are too scared to go against the norm or something. But then they do "what is expected" of them and push everyone else to do the same. It's like: "I've gotten myself into a mess - into a place I should've reconsidered - but misery loves company, so please do what I did so we can be unhappy (or whatever) together." Because, really, if you were okay with your decision, would you pressure others? A person has too much to drink - of course they want everyone else to be drunk too. On the other side, a person who is happily married will tell their friends that and then let them figure it out for themselves. I teach, and so when I run into those who want to teach, I don't scream: "DO IT DO IT DO IT." I tell them the pros and cons; it's up to them to decide. Why push someone into something? This also reminds me of when my mom threw me into playing volleyball at young age. I think I liked it, but as I grew up, I wanted to try tennis and other sports. She didn't love that idea... and it wasn't like I was a star player (because then I could understand it a little bit).
    {pause to think}
    I think the last connection I have to this quote relates to peer pressure... I never really "got" how that worked. It didn't work on me. Then again, I was a loner in school - happy in books instead of parties. But now I can see it more: You should get married. You should have kids. You should wear this or that. You shouldn't post X on Facebook. You shouldn't... whatever. And I kind of always have rebelled in my head against the norm. I want to wear things that make me happy; I want a life that is happy. What's wrong with that choice?