I Want a WOT…
August 29th, 2007Not long ago, I touched on some of the issues facing young men and women in the world we’ve created, though I really didn’t have anything like a solution. I should’t have bothered to try and think of something new—I should have just looked back at the things we’ve done for thousands of years and adopted those ideas—something like MC2 has.
Today I watched six of my students—though we’ve yet to have a class together and it may be awhile before we do, they’re most definitely my students—run in the last mile from Surry Mountain Lake into the school to the applause of their parents and some of their classmates. For the previous hour family, staff, and students had prepared a breakfast of scrambled eggs and pancakes. The WOT1 (pronounced “what”) was over, and six very tired kids were returned to their families and their school community.
And the whole time, all I can think of was Hidden Valley. I remember what it was like to be a Boy Scout and sleep outside in -32 degree weather, and knowing that because you had been smart and worked as a team it was going to be okay. I remember the way the older kids were careful sharing advice (wear your socks to bed, but kick them off once you start to feel warm, so they don’t start to sweat) and what it meant to be a troop—a feeling I never got as part of a class.
And then I think of my boys—the lost ones I’ve seen in my classroom over the last six years. I think of what school must be for some of them—a place where 45 minutes of gym is the only time they have to do anything that doesn’t involve sitting down and shutting up. I think of a time when it was very, very important to show one was not a child, and how few opportunities there were to do so.
I’m thinking of all this while an adult points out the extra work one of these young men did, the way he was always there to help, the small kindnesses which will someday add up to someone calling him a “gentleman.” I’m thinking of this and looking at a young man who found something in school in which he excelled, someplace where he could be a man and have it valued and not pushed aside as worthless because it didn’t come from a textbook.
For thousands of years we’ve sent young men into the wilderness so they could prove themselves, see who they could be and find some of what they could do. We don’t anymore, and then we wonder why so many are bullies and thugs and criminals—in short, spoiled children who never grew up. If nothing else, those boys realized they were capable of more than they knew, were validated as males in a way a traditional high school never could allow. Having faced a physical challenge, they’ll be better able to face the mental ones.
I think it may be even more important for the girls. I’m thinking of one of the kids I lost, a sweet child who had the misfortune of being pretty. In junior high she was a person—as a senior, she was a hollow shell of a human, spoiled, disliked even by her friends, vain and shallow, a vapid little airhead who could toss her hair and nothing more. I’m thinking of those early high school years, when the “imaginary audience” is near constant, and appearance starts to count for more than brains, talent, hard work, or anything else school might have to offer.
So I don’t need to think very hard to imagine the kind of good it does for a young woman to trek twenty miles with a pack and canoe many more. I think it might do a great deal to make the kind of people we want to see in our world if they learn that going a day without makeup or combing their hair won’t kill them. In looking around at the young women who have returned to KSC and the way they’re acting with their sudden freedom (I live at the intersection of three bars…I see everything) I think a little strenth as people may be in order, and not just as baby makers. I’m certain we’ll only have women strong enough not to end up “beater wives” if they’re pushed further than they think possible and in ways that are traditionally “only for boys.”
But really, I think the person it’s best for is mom and dad.
Starting high school, parents become bench warmers in the game of their child’s life. They might be allowed to bat an inning now and again (usually when the kid has a problem with mean old Mr. English teacher…) and they’re often so pleased to be back in the game they go after the other players with a bat.
But, worse, they often don’t see the growth in their child. I’m often surprised by what some of my best students are not trusted to do by their parents. Granted, there’s a host of memories a parent needs to deal with (it can be hard to trust someone who used to eat play-doh and pee in your face, I’m sure) but still, I often think we cut parents off from seeing their children become adults. Growth might happen in the classroom, we might see a child stand up for another, but the person who returns home from the bus is almost certain to answer a sullent “nothing” when asked what happened in school, leaving mom and dad fairly certain that if there’s change to take place it would take a miracle.
But not after the WOT. A separation allows a parent to see their child in a new light, and the kids do come back different—and parents are in a place to see it. Even better, getting a hug from a teen-age child in front of his/her friends probably hasn’t happened since elementary school, but it did on Tuesday. When was the last time a school provided a way to draw a family together?
School doesn’t “start” until Thursday. I’ve already met more parents than I would throughout the average year, and it’s simply because there’s a conscious effort to include them. Since parental involvement is a major contributor to student success in school, it speaks well of the design present in Surry.
1 Wilderness Orientation Trek. I was not kidding when I said MC2 has its own dictionary.
August 30th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Wow pretty harsh vision of our youth - especially our young women. (not to mention societies parenting abilities - yikes! we’re not all going to hell in a hand basket - remember the grey zone)
Not that I disagree that some teens (including college teens) act inappropriately in certain cirrcumstances, I think they do… I think there have always been those eliments - I know I wasn’t a saint… ask my mohter, no on second thought don’t.
I’m not sure it’s any worse than “back in the day” whatever timeframe you’d like to put there. Just slightly different focus put on what’s acceptable and whats not depending on who’s got the microscope.
As a matter of fact, I just came from the ruins of Bonaguil Castle in the south of France. It was built in approx. 1500 - preserved well - especially the Roman graffiti on the walls! - hmmm those roudy teens… bet the girls were all just sleeping around too.
Point is… regardless of the freeze frame of time - kids are kids… teens being an interesting group as far as life changes and options… the wonderful part, we don’t stop growing as human beings at the age of 16. (well most don’t) And all of those silly things we all do/did at 16 doesn’t have to be a defining characteristic of who we are for the rest of our lives. Those choices are simply markers on the path that make us who we are today. It’s probably be a good task to take time to reflect on those days every once in a while. Bet there’s a story or two about the young Mr H getting out of hand. Let’s not forget, our elders were calling us tramps and hellions too. (some more frequently than others…)
And I understand your excitement for your new learning environment. MC2 is a great learning opportunity I agree. I like the structure and options it gives students, as well as the “must do’s” - like the WOT in the first year. I just took a WOT myself. (14 days through Germany and France,in a tent, on a 50CC scooter, unseasonably cold, and it rained the whole time! It was the best trip of my life - so far.) I think everyone regardless their age should take some time to wander and more importantly… think about life and how they fit in it.
Having said all that, I think it’s a stretch to say that MC2 teaches kids affection for peers and parents, or that a WOT in itself will give someone inner enlightenment. The WOT will only work for those willing to really experience it. And I’ve sat through enough MC2 Gateways - graduation ones in particular - to hear students say “I should have been more in touch in the first few years” which to me says they weren’t in tune to the WOT and all it had to offer. More likely, they were hugging mom because they were happy to know they had the cozy bed and a yummy dinner coming that night. For the record, not a bad reason for a hug - it’s still an appreciation for what you have - and that is a growth lesson. But not exactly the self enlightening experience you painted.
MC2 may foster an environment where public display of personal feelings more acceptable than say on the streets, but MRHS can/and does as well. I think it depends on the individual and not the building or the program. We shouldn’t get into a habit of pitting one against the other. One isn’t better… they are simply different. And different is good.
I would also like to note that my kids hug me in public, they are very affectionate…I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them hugged you Mr. H. They do that, even my manly man football dude. They’ve learn it from their parents/ our friends/grandparents/ and yes their friends. We hug when we greet, or leave someone that’s what we do. I guess I kept that part of my European heritage.
As for my kids… they kiss goodnight (occassionally each other!), they hug in public, and they aren’t odd. Most of thier friends are also huggers. Come on… someone as “tuned in” as you Mr. H… I’d think you’d know that it’s cool to be adult enough to show respect and affection to your parents and their friends. Plus… you earn respect by giving respect. Most adults are impressed with teens who can look them in the eye and say hello, and nice to meet you when they depart. You don’t have to go to MC2 to learn that.
Example of our youth in action:
I was incredibly proud of our MRSD (district not high school or MC2 students but a blend of both) this summer when one family in our district had a horrible tragedy. A parent killed in a freak accident. The kids (students of all ages, all acedemic disiplines, and all “clicks”)gathered around to hold, cry, comfort and help each other. Didn’t matter who was watching, they were a community. It was wonderful to see… and I told them all that.
All the adults involved should be incredibly proud of our youth. Parents/ teachers/ shop owners/ clergy… we are the examples that our youth learn from. And in my opinion, it’s not all doom and gloom… I would say that a large group of our youth are amazing people. I’m pretty proud to be able to say that. You all should be too.
They are getting it.
August 30th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Interesting concept, but not altogether applicable. So far two of the former students of mc2 are homeless, both went on wots. The ones that aren’t homeless are well past their threshold into adulthood. What people see in mc2 is a school that they can go to, sit on their *****, and not do work. It doesn’t matter to most teenagers that they aren’t gatewaying, granted it is better than it used to be, because the school is alot less liberal in its teaching methods than it used to be.
As for you however, there are the students. You mentioned something about an attractive girl being rendered a hollow emotionless shell after high school due primarily to being attractive. I don’t know how attractive you are, but that will have little effect on how fast you die inside when working at mc2. By now you have probably met *******. A **************** who yelled at you undoubtedly because you told him to do something you shouldn’t have. I don’t care how smart, athletic, happy, and resourceful you are, if you are exposed to him for more than a month and he does not like you, he will utterly destroy you inside and out. You will be a hollow shell of a man, the laughing stock of an entire school, and possibly a rumored pedophile.
Worse than that are students such as ******. If you are not careful, you will become his slave. Ask ****** about that if she is still there.
Mc2 is a great idea, but doesn’t work. If you really believe in alternative teaching, helping students and all that, invest your resources in something else. You seem like a smart guy, but you are jumping on a sinking ship.
Feel free to return dialogue.
[Comment edited at 8:04pm by RJH due to language and naming students and staff. Changes are marked with an asterisk.]
August 30th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Hi Colline.
Welcome back! I’m jealous of the vacation, despite the poor weather. I only had a little time in Paris, but I have to admit that it was perhaps the best part of the trip—well, next to Switzerland. I’m glad it went well.
In response, I think it’s a pretty bleak picture not of our kids—I think they’re often amazing, and overcome great odds—but of what we offer them. I think there’s enough examples of youths dropping out of school, enough examples of drug and alcohol use among even “good” teens, and enough examples of youth crime to say that, as a culture, we don’t offer our young men and women much.
I suppose I could become truly nihilistic and say we don’t offer adults much more than the role of consumer, but I don’t think I believe that. Still, I can’t claim to be the first to point out that a certain amount of challenge is lacking for many of our kids, and the WOT does provide it for some.
Overcoming challenge is one way to grow. That’s really all I said—that this offered a challenge1 which had the potential to allow kids to see themselves in new ways and their families as well. Anything more is a growth from that family and what they share.
I’d also argue I’m spending too much time scratching my head and trying to adapt to say I’m “pitting one against the other” and finding one lacking. I see things I don’t understand and I question—but because I haven’t been there long, I’m suspending judgment until I know more. For right now, I can say MC2 has a good element in its program. I’m sure some of the classes, sports, and academic programs at MRHS can make the same claim to growing students, overcoming challenge, and forming positive relationships. In fact, I’ll argue that for some of the kids in the Pawprint, a few sections of Crime and Punishment and one or two of my junior English classes led to the same kind of relationship—though without the parents seeing it, unfortunately.
I’m certain there are other classes that have the same feeling—there are too many good educators at MRHS who are more than capable of creating a great community in their classroom. If there’s a criticism present, it’s just not every kid takes advantage of those clubs and communities—and I’m certain every kid gets more or less from the WOT than others. I’m pointing out a good element about MC2, though, something which struck me…nothing more.
It just happens to be a good element I like. I wouldn’t suggest that every praise of MC2 is an attack on MRHS, anymore than to praise the playground at Mt. Caesar is to attack the one at Cutler. I have fond memories of both. I’m applauding what I saw in a program in the district. That’s a good thing for everyone involved in the community, right?
1 Hardly a unique one, either. It’s used by the Boy Scouts, the military, Native American tribes, and countless others. Heck—it’s a literal journey into the wilderness on the hero’s journey—a theme present for as long as we’ve been human. Stealing a good idea from another source is just plain smart.
Hi Gibson,
Welcome to the conversation!
I appreciate your thoughts, though at this point I haven’t seen the same. As you said, it’s “less liberal in its teaching methods than it used to be” and I imagine there are things which have changed and grown. You can be sure I’ll say so, one way or the other.
August 31st, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Thanks for the clarification.
I think you are right… the more people see our programs as opportunities for all of our students, the better our district will become. Thank You for making that point… and I apologize for my initial misinterpretation.