A few months ago my sixteen-year-old niece was describing her confusion about life and what type of person she should be. She made an interesting comment, "I feel that everyone is saying, 'I know something that you don't'." Like there was some universal secret that everyone knew...except her.
The statement made me recall how I felt when I was a child listening to the adults speak on very important subjects such as foreign affairs, war, welfare, capital punishment, etc..
I listened in awe! They weren't expressing opinions; they were dispensing truths! I was so envious. I couldn't wait to become an adult and have such knowledge.
I am 57 now, and I am still waiting. At least I'm not envious anymore.
No, Mindy, there is no universal secret. Many people just find it very difficult to say, "I just don't know." or, "Gosh, I would have to think about that for a long time before I could state my opinion."
I bet you will do just fine, Mindy. Take a lesson from the song you wrote when you were a little girl...."Don't Worry Yourself"
Michael Davidson was graduated from Jacksonville University in Jan., 1962 with a major in Accounting. When he entered, he knew that his destiny was to become a wealthy CPA and was quite perturbed when he was told that in order to receive a degree, he would be required to take such courses as Humanities, Philosophy, Logic, etc. By 1962 he had learned a very valuable lesson. He had learned that he wanted no part of 'Accountingdom'.
After fulfilling his military obligation by spending 6 years in the National Guard, he got on a Greyhound bus and went to Reno, Nevada. He spent the next 18 years in the employ of Harrah's Hotel and Casino in the capacities of Dealer, Pit Boss (1 year), and Craps School Instructor. He has never regretted his decision; he thoroughly enjoyed his time with Harrah's.
Mike currently is living with his elderly mother in Florida (who is taking care of whom is debatable) and does a little math tutoring, bookkeeping, and deals to play money on occasion for a company that puts on parties for various organizations. He's presently involved with AOL's Academic Assistance Center under the guise of MathMike77@aol.com.
Mike feels that parents and teachers have an obligation to encourage youths of all ages to question without fear and to give their imaginations free reign. He wonders about how much less time it would have taken the world to become spherical, if society had taken that stance throughout history.
Mike likes soap boxes.