Big kids had award ceremonies at the middle school. E got 2 (science and orchestra) and H got 1 (language art - she won the local Young Author award).
I was running late - I sprinted into the auditorium as the principal was getting started on his congratulatory speech. It was semi-dark, and I was so hyper-focused on finding an empty seat that I completely missed a giant sign in the middle of the aisle. I spied an empty seat and went for it. It took me a few minutes to realize that I was in the student section (that was the sign!), sitting next to a very loud 7th grader. It was like being suddenly in a zoo - but not on the visitors side.
I am so glad I am not in middle school and that I never have to attend middle school...
But at the same time - it was kind of neat to see (yes, annoying and loud) teens resisting the authority of the teachers and the principal. It was pretty obvious that the annoying behavior was aimed at the authority, and not other students. This kid sitting next to me - clapping extra-loudly at random times during the principal's address - I was annoyed at the time, but now that I am sitting in my comfortable (quiet) home - he was trying to be a rebel. And that's normal. That's part of growing up, of testing the limits of how much you can get away with, of poking the authority to see: are they really as powerful as they make themselves out to be?
It was the same in my day...
I keep hearing (and thinking) how much these kids today are spoiled, undisciplined, privileged, and lazy. What I saw today - they are the same as we were.
But... speaking of undisciplined and lazy... the lifeguard did not show up at the neighborhood pool today, and the kids and I were super disappointed because we were really hoping to jump into the pool. We even brought friends with us! ugh.
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