What are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?
There’s an old song – What are you Doing the Rest of Your Life? – from a movie called “The Happy Ending”. It was released the year I graduated from high school – 1969.
About that time I was wondering the same thing. What WAS I going to do with the rest of my life? I was getting ready to turn 18 and was considering college. I had applied and was waiting to hear if I got in any of them.
I did know, though, that I was ready to set the world on fire and make a difference. Many of my friends felt the same way.
Lots of people say that we are in big trouble when it comes to young people today. They say our youth are irresponsible deadbeats, druggies, self centered, etc. They say kids today have it way too easy and don’t know what real work is all about.
I prefer to think that, sometimes, young people just haven’t decided what to do with their lives yet. Often they just need a little time and some very patient adults encouraging them as they sort through things.
While some teenagers find themselves unfocused and making poor choices, there are just as many and more that are responsible, intelligent, creative, and ready to make a difference…not really too different than what I was in 1969.
Today, I had the chance to meet with some of the intelligent, creative and responsible kinds of students.
What I saw in that classroom inspired me.
I was invited to speak to high school seniors at a rural high school in Gilbert, South Carolina.
Having written a book – Sardines, Cheese and Soda Crackers: Reflections From a Country Girl – I was asked to talk with a Southern Literature class about my writing experiences and processes.
These students were sharp…very sharp!
I have just finished reading some of their short stories. They were amazing. Each one had completed a draft and the teacher asked if I would take some time to look at them and make comments.
The honesty, humor and thought provoking ideas amazed me as I read each one. These students were full of thoughts and dreams waiting to be shared. I sure hope they all keep some type of journals or just keep writing about their experiences.
What are they doing with the rest of their lives?
There was enough talent in that one room to rule the country!
My wish for you today is that you take the time to see the positive things our young people are doing. Listen to them and their dreams. It would do us all good to see what they are really focusing on. You may just find a renewed hope after visiting and listening to some of them.
~ Joellen