The Kids Are Alright

The hallways always have an extra buzz to them on the Seniors last day. You can feel it like it is frozen in mid-air, an electricity of energy. The Seniors are done with high school, and a great sense of relief has washed over them. They have crossed the finish line of primary education, the goal of many years has been achieved. And, they rightly pat themselves on the back and stand up a little straighter to accept the praise that they have earned. High school is done and the gateway towards adulthood is now....... The last day is a half day, with a picnic to be the celebratory meal of a job well done. But, the first five periods must be observed. They do this, in fast motion, because they want it done. However, I have noticed a certain look that overtakes them. A glazed look. The stunned realization that, ''MY GOD!!! I AM DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!'' It amuses me to see this. Why? Well, I think that you can rightfully call this look the first time that, physically, life is settling in on them. An adult life, full of promises and responsibilities and passions and fears and all of the human bundles of positive and negative human emotions. I can kinda of remember that same feeling. After I graduated high school in June, 1984 A.D., I got in my parents car that they lent me and drove away from the school towards the first party I was going to attend that night. In the rear view mirror, my high school, the late and undistinguished Forest View, was visible. The feeling I had at that moment I can clearly recall. I had the excitement of being done with school. And, then, I also had the fear of being done with school. I knew at that moment that I was in charge of my life then, my destiny, with no cushion and no structure. How I lived my life was completely up to me. It was both comforting and terrifying. It still is........ And, I saw it today in the passing faces of the Seniors. Bewilderment and cockiness. That is ok, for both are necessary for the first few steps from being a child. What they do not know----and, I would never dare tell them----- is that they will encounter dark roads that life throws in your pathway that will erode those looks of wonder and self-confidence. Dangerous avenues of temptation and harmful passageways that could bring their dreams and good intentions come crashing down. I would never break their moment of joy, for it will be the last time they will have the bubble of innocence surrounding them. There is no need to break the spell. They will all find reality in their own ways........ At the same time I am happy for them, I feel a personal sadness. I have known most of these kids for four years. I have seen most mature and grow. I have betted heads with them as Freshmen [when, you know, old Mr. Scoleri knows nothing and is mean] to where they are now with a fresh Seniors perspective [you know, cool Mr. Scoleri, who was right about what he was preaching and really is a softie]. I have seen them find first loves and have first heartbreaks. I have coached them to do better with their grades and applauded them when they passed that tough test that they thought they would never pass. I would tell them exactly what to say when they go on their first job interview, and I would tell them what a good work ethic is, and for them to give me free food at Portillos. And, for many, I was just a sympathetic ear for them, for many, sadly, do not have an adult at home that they can share things with and inspire the best out of them. Those are the kids that reach deep into your heart. Even when they ''act up'' and do something that they should not do, there is the little voice in my head that says, ''Go easy, Jimmy. Remember where they are coming from.'' That has been how I have always been: first the anger at the situation, then, understanding and compassion, followed by the urge to help them as best as I can. It doesn't work for all students, mind you. Still, the ratio is high towards success. Myself---and, many of my friends and colleagues at work--- try to be there for the kids, to steer them in the right direction. Most times, I think we do. But, sometimes, a kid you think you have going well does something that breaks your heart. You take it personal. You have to. Because you care.......... Those kids remain with you as the four years progress. The bond grows stronger. Every adult I work with has a favorite student. The one that you watch out for. I have many. I have kids who may not have me in class anymore who stop in during their lunch, or, between passing periods, just to say hello and to tell me about what is going on in their lives. Many invite me to come watch them play in the team sport they belong to. And, in the sweetest example of making a mark with them, come Christmas time or Staff Appreciation Week, I may get a small gift or card expressing how they feel about me. Those are the moments when you do tear up....... I write this not to show what a swell guy I am, but, to show you how they are. Lost among the confusion of being a teenager is the enormous pressure society puts on them. Teenagers today have it much rougher than at any other time in history. Look at the world----and, the world's expectations on them----- that they have to endure. Everything from terrorism to enormous debts to two childish people running for President Of The United States in 2016. As they graduate, this will hit them with a sonic blast that I could not imagine. And, yet, through this pressure, through the self-centeredness that is the bane of any teenager, comes a thoughtful act of generosity and goodwill out of nowhere. It may just be a Christmas card to them. But, to me, it gives me a warm hope for the future....... After 5th period, it is all over but the hugging. This is allowed because they are no longer students, but co-equals as adults. A goodbye hug, full of gratitude and best wishes for their future. And, more tears---both from them and from us. I tell them to come see me in the future. A few will. Most, will not. While I might have been a recognizable figure to them these last few years, I know I will fade away in their memories as the years roll on. It is natural. There is a little sadness in knowing this. They hug and I say good luck to them. And, I give the line that makes my throat tighten up: ''Have a great life''......... I want them to have that ''great life''. I want them to have all of their dreams come true. I want them to fall in love with that special person. I want them to do good work and be proud of the achievements they make as life goes on around them. I want them to have the fun times. I want them to learn from the sad times. I want them to solve the problems that the generations before them have given them. And, I want them to be nicer to each other than we have been to our fellow human beings in our time, to find that loving human spirit to forge a better future for their kids. I want them to solve the problems of hate and division and be as One. It is a tall assignment I am giving them, I know. But, who is to say that they won't be ''The Greatest Generation?''......... I'm rooting for the Class Of 2016. They should be proud of what they have done. I am proud of them. You will be, too. Just give them time to grow into their roles, to let life measure them........ Looking at the calendar, I see there is about 3 months until the Class of 2020 arrives at the school. I look forward to meeting them.......