So, long ago, I made a post about how disappointed I was when I entered the teaching profession–how cynical, sarcastic and downright apathetic students are. I talked about my disappointment with their attitudes and their efforts. And I mentioned how the whole world was essentially going down the drain. But I need to revise these statements.

Needless to say, I was not in the right place all last year. I found out in about March that God had better things for me to do. That’s when I learned why I was struggling so much to get my students to do anything. At that point, I began looking elsewhere, and Wham! I found a job. So here is my revised reflection on the state of the youth in this nation.

While still naive and somewhat selfish, I have discovered that students who really wish to accomplish something simply do so. Teenagers (and younger) are not little monsters with nothing better to do than play video games. I was wrong about that assumption. They are intelligent and willing to try just about anything with the proper coaxing. I now know that if you are seen in the right light, you can help students achieve amazing goals. And you can do it quickly. It doesn’t take centuries for it to happen–not even decades, years or months. A matter of weeks is all you really need.

Essentially, my conclusion is this: the youth of America are not truly dying. They are living the same lives that I lived when I was in high school (except with cell phones and iPods). They are exploring and discovering, they are wisely choosing to do more than just get by. And even the ones who seem reluctant really do want to make themselves better–they just want to look cool when doing it. All you have to do is disarm them enough and then give them confidence to make up for the possible embarrassment. Give them something to really indulge in. And now I know how that works, and I know what can come of it. Future teachers, don’t give up. Don’t be disheartened when you find yourself deep in fear. That first year is hell, and the sooner it’s over, the better every other year will be.

And if everyone hates you, just remember: it’s not always going to be your town.