Teenagers

A One on One Interview With My Teenage Son

MOM: “Why do you want to move back to our old neighborhood?”

SON: “It's better.”

MOM: “Can you be more specific please? How is it better?”

SON: “I'm just more comfortable there because there are more people like me.”

MOM: “Whats wrong with going to a school with a more diverse group of kids?”

SON: “Hercules is more diverse than Bristow. There's just a lot more kids who look like me. More minorities.”

MOM: “Okay I understand you miss the friends that you grew up with but there’s a time to learn and a time to play. How does the teaching in Hercules compare to Bristow?”

SON: “It's harder at Hercules.”

MOM: “Really?...Are you telling the truth?

SON: “Yes.”

MOM: “Okay so assuming you are telling the truth, how is it harder?”

SON: “It's more work.”

MOM: “When you were at Hercules did you know how to do a PowerPoint presentation?”

SON: “No?”

MOM: “What about research papers like the one you just did on the effects of Global Warming?”

SON: “No.”

MOM: “What about school projects like the model of the Roman Coliseum you built?”

SON: “No, they have a different curriculum.”

MOM: “So do you feel the curriculum at Hercules helped to prepare you to go to a college university when you graduate in 6 years?

SON: “Yes.”

MOM: “Can you explain to me what you learned to prepare you for it?”

SON: “I had an AVID class.”

MOM: “Okay. How did this AVID class prepare you?”

SON: “Tells you what to do before you go to college. Tells you about mailing in your application and the tests you have to take to pass. I learned how to take Cornell notes that they use in college.”

MOM: “What about preparing you as far as academics, core subjects and advance courses to prepare you for higher learning?”

SON: “Yes, Math, Science, English and History classes.”

MOM: “Okay so based on what you've shared with me, I am not convinced that putting you back into your old school is the best thing for you. I don't believe that was the best learning environment for you. I like the idea of the AVID class but it's just not enough. I do understand that you miss your friends you grew up with and it's an adjustment going to a predominately white school but there’s a time to learn and a time to socialize. You can always hook up with your friends on the weekends or during school breaks. But taking you out of that school was for your best interest. Your new school is setting you up for success both academically and socially and you will appreciate it later. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is for the better.”

SON: “Okay.”

MOM: “One last question for you. Why do you think you haven’t been getting into as much trouble as you were at your old school?”

SON: “Because they used to give people referrals for no reason.”

MOM: “I wouldn’t say no reason. I would say that they had a zero tolerance policy for children interfering with the learning process during class time. Such as clowning around in class. So what's changed for you in your new classroom?”

SON: “I stopped laughing during class all the time.”

MOM: “So, you are more serious about your learning here or is there no one to goof off with?”

SON: “I'm just more focused now in class.”

MOM: “Excellent! Well thank you for your time I really appreciate your input.”

SON: “You're welcome.”

Moving to a new neighborhood was the best decision for our family. The kids are doing better academically, we live in a lovely community next door to a park with swings, play structures, park benches, grassy play areas and barbecue pits for entertaining which we didn't have before. Although it has been an adjustment for the children especially because of the distance and saying goodbye to old friends, change is always overwhelming in the beginning until you get settled in. I believe that things will work out for the best in the long run. The children will be better equipped for college upon high school graduation and may even form long lasting friendships with kids from all walks of life.  A paradigm of the society we live in.

If you are in a predicament where you feel your children are being deprived of a good education. I strongly encourage moving to a new neighborhood with a proven track record and high test scores. It might be an inconvenience for you initially but your children are well worth it. We live in a new day and age where a college education is more serious than ever before. Our children will not be able to compete in a technological driven society unless they are equipped. Setting a solid foundation for them while they are young is crucial. In the long run it will prove to be well worth the sacrifice.