You know that saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? If it is true, then I can assure you that I know a lot of ‘older dogs’ who have completely changed their lives through learning.
Learning. You know – new tricks.
It is something that I am thrilled to experience on a daily basis here at the adult technical center that I serve. Self-esteems skyrocket. Tests scores improve one point at a time. Tempers are overcome. Stereotypes are squashed as we see our fellow students as people who are just different from us. Troubles are left at the door so that concentration can be found in the classroom.
And the long, difficult and trying process of growing into someone who can: land a better job; provide for a family; make a dream come true; grow into the promise of the life that is full……is. not. an. easy. task.
Period.
So these hallways are filled with hope that is masquerading as typical adults shuffling through their days. But the shuffle breaks into steps, and the head is held higher, and the recovery from a setback of any sort – quickens, and actually becomes habit.
Recovery.
From a less than perfect score. From a daughter that interrupts you when you are studying. From tragedy striking your day, your life.
From grief.
I grieve the loss of a young student who has died – a promising student who was making a better life for her two kids. There was so much learning and growth and struggle-to-be-present in her eyes, her posture, in her smile. The effort she brought to everything was obvious in the tension in her frame – but the reason she was in school showed through brightly in the smile that accompanied any question about her kids.
Gently touch, reach out to, the students in your life. The family in your heart. The people of your life. Stand beside them. Acknowledge each other and the struggles and triumphs that you see.
Be present.
wanderingoutinleftfield 