Education is key
I went back to high school for an hour today. Obviously, I was reporting on a story.
Never in my life have I been more concerned for the future of a group of teenagers. I had so many flashbacks in that hour, but they were all positive. They were good memories. Memories of being in a classroom, soaking up knowledge. Memories of school events, acting in plays and organizing a talent show. At every event I remember my peers WANTING to be there and WANTING to learn. Students who didn’t need to be asked to be quiet. There was a sense of organization, no doubt.
Here, in Mississippi, it’s common knowledge the state is looked down upon. Heck, I was at a school assembly today where that common conception was stated more than once by a school official and an ex-NFL player. People who are from here know it. The speaker, former NFL football player and Greenville native Cleotha Montgomery spoke about leadership. He basically said if you don’t appreciate you education and stay out of trouble “you will end up in jail or dead.”
People tell these kids this. It’s hard to admit, but I’m starting to believe it. I have never in my life met a more disrespectful group of teenagers. This guy has made more money than most of these kids will see in their lifetime. He’s accomplished more than most of them will. Now he’s dedicated his time to travel as a motivational speaker and the kids spent their time whispering, laughing and texting.
I wonder if most of these educators have given up. It has to be hard to stay positive when you’re educating a group of students who refuse to listen.
