Thinking back to my days in school whether it be elementary or high school, I didn't think that choices or decisions were being made for me. Reflecting back on that now, i know that actually choices were being made for me. During elementary school, everything was already laid out for me; the teacher goes over the rules on the first day (which were predetermined), you have to raise your hand to ask for absolutely everything and anything and student's opinions weren't really taken seriously.
This same process continued straight through high school. When I was in high school, I felt as though the rules became a little less strict, but there were still rules. The biggest issue I can remember is not having a say in what I could wear to school. I understand that some teachers and students may find it distracting or inappropriate, but not being able to wear a spaghetti strap shirt or shorts (that might be too short) when it's 80 degrees outside and there's no air conditioning throughout the building is a little far. Also, high school students might express their personality through their clothes so limiting their choices in what they want to wear or even threatening to send them home for their clothing. Everyone is here to learn and when you get to college, this isn't even a rule anymore, so why was this such a big deal throughout high school?
Going through elementary school, I felt as though choices were not being made for me but, these were just rules I had to follow. I never had a problem with any teachers telling me what to do; I sat in class, quiet and keeping to myself while listening and following the directions. Until now, I thought all these rules and raising my hand were just a part of school and not that my choices were being limited or that I had no say. It wasn't until I got to high school that I realized I don't have much of a choice and I didn't like the idea of that. Seeing how I feel about those choices in elementary and high school being made for me now, I know that I don't want any of the youth I work with to feel that way. I will try my best to make sure I incorporate youth-led activities and incorporate them into my planning as much as possible. It's important they have a say, since I am providing my work to them and I want their opinion and not have to limit their choices.
This same process continued straight through high school. When I was in high school, I felt as though the rules became a little less strict, but there were still rules. The biggest issue I can remember is not having a say in what I could wear to school. I understand that some teachers and students may find it distracting or inappropriate, but not being able to wear a spaghetti strap shirt or shorts (that might be too short) when it's 80 degrees outside and there's no air conditioning throughout the building is a little far. Also, high school students might express their personality through their clothes so limiting their choices in what they want to wear or even threatening to send them home for their clothing. Everyone is here to learn and when you get to college, this isn't even a rule anymore, so why was this such a big deal throughout high school?
Going through elementary school, I felt as though choices were not being made for me but, these were just rules I had to follow. I never had a problem with any teachers telling me what to do; I sat in class, quiet and keeping to myself while listening and following the directions. Until now, I thought all these rules and raising my hand were just a part of school and not that my choices were being limited or that I had no say. It wasn't until I got to high school that I realized I don't have much of a choice and I didn't like the idea of that. Seeing how I feel about those choices in elementary and high school being made for me now, I know that I don't want any of the youth I work with to feel that way. I will try my best to make sure I incorporate youth-led activities and incorporate them into my planning as much as possible. It's important they have a say, since I am providing my work to them and I want their opinion and not have to limit their choices.
Thanks for this thoughtful post Ashlee. You bring up a really great point about the overlaps between rules and choices. And I am thinking a lot about the restriction on what young people can wear, which is so personal. What messages did you (or do you think other youth especially girls) receive about these "rules"? About their bodies? About what is and isn't permitted?
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