McGonagall: Reflections on Student Life
We, the teachers of youth see them everyday. Fooling around heartedly, never worrying over matters of their future, which seem just beyond the brink of reality. And yet, the subtle changes and similarities throughout the years are ever present. First Years, ever eager and bright. They smile each day and sleep each night. The Seconds, wane adolescent, and yet are never accepted as adult. Hormonal Third Years: Enough said? The young-adult fourth years, who take those younger beneath their wings. They reflect upon their choices and analyze their mistakes. Mournful fifth years, who kick and scream as they are thrown into the world of adults. The choices they make make a difference. It scares them. Curious sixth years. Now ever conscious of their opportunities and freedom, inquisitive of where it may lead. Seventh Years, always in disbelief. Their time spent here seems unreal. Seven years, and finally the shroud of adulthood is lifted from their eyes and frankly, they are frightened. Adult troubles, their futures, and decisions are fatal to the rest of their life.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm putting these kids through.
Although through the years people and trends change, those facts stand ever still. However, there are always those few who shine from the rest and you know that they will sprout to be remembered. And the fact that you are responsible for guiding them down the middle path is quite the burden.
You try to shove it in their face as much as you can. "Stop that!" and "In a few years you will be without a job, family, and money if you continue with this malarkey!" But do they listen? NO!
Children. They keep me young. A wise man once said:
"The everlasting duty of children is to challenge their superiors. For if they don't, who will?"
Amen to that.