Like Everyone Else?

Photo by Nina Matthews

There’s a lot of pressure for kids to fit in at school. How many passions have been squelched as students suddenly realized their interest weren’t cool?

I loved to ask students to think of all the ways kids try to fit in:

• clothing
• music
• attitudes
• hobbies
• sports
• grades
• classes

We’d get quite a list going.

But, then I’d ask:

What happens when you apply for college, interview for a job, or meet the man/woman of your dreams.

Imagine saying, “Hello there. I’m just like everyone else.”

Fitting in can only get us so far. Let’s make our classrooms a place where odd interests and unusual passions are not just accepted, but appreciated. And nothing can impact this more than a teacher’s modeling. Take a moment to appreciate your students’ pursuits, especially the ones that are a bit off-the-wall.