Getting an Edu(ma)cation

I never realized what power a person can have. How their control can literally change lives.

I was a substitute this Friday and last for preschool boys and I literally had a life changing revelation. (No singing choir though). Parents only want their child to be happy, to succeed, to be healthy and happy. And everyday they give that massive responsibility to their child's teacher to carry out. They have to believe that the teacher will mold and shape their children into that vision. It's frightening. And then, the teacher her/himself must live up to that incredibly difficult job. They have to show love and firmness, fun and strictness. They have to discipline, educate, model, perform and even teach! Being in a classroom with young kids just made me so scared for my future children. Will they learn? Will their teacher treat them like a curious child, or like a rebellious wreck? Will they fulfill their potential every day? Or fall through the cracks?

It's petrifying to think about.

Must Be Hard (It's Only Four Years)

Dear Friend,
It must be hard
Living in the dark
Living in the lies
That you're constantly fed:
No one cares
No one understands
No one is listening...

Society has warped you into believing
That you are alone
That everyone is against you
And you must face your raging battles
Alone
With no assistance
Or help from anyone...

I feel so sorry for you
That you believe such lies.
Enemies?
Are you facing an Arab
Straight in the face?
Because if not,
There is no hatred so strong in a person
That you could call someone an enemy
Or they could consider you the same.

It's only high school,
Or didn't you know?
In four years you'll be done!
In four short years,
Though they seem so long
All the pettiness:
Jealousy, envy, greed and hatred,
Will wash away with time

Because thank the One Above
Girls grow out of their insecurities
And stupidity.
Don't fall prey to the
Drama! Intensity!
Because honestly,
They are only trying to make their lives seem
More interesting, more exciting
When really
They are just like everyone else.

So now you're sad,
Now you're upset...
What are you going to do with those emotions?
Wallow in them?
Bury yourself beneath their false comfort?
Indulge in them and let them consume you?
I think you know better than that...

Find someone to talk to...
There is always someone...
A friend, a teacher...
And when you can't find someone you can see
Turn to the One who is always there
And always waiting to hear from you.

Don't be another girl
Who lets what others think of her
Create who she is.
Paint your own life,
Write your own story
And if you wish,
Leave out the parts
About the other girls
Who were simply foolish to believe
That it was all about them.

Friend... I believe you are hurting.
I believe you when you say things are hard
But that doesn't mean you have to drown within those thoughts
Channel them to make yourself do something!
Let them guide you to a better place,
Let that hurt, that pain
Lead you into the comforting arms
Of the One who cares the most.

And after you have done that
Do me a favor
Let me know how it goes.

With love,
Your friend