sometimes my students confirm my struggles, not because they’re causing them but because they’re experiencing them, too. more often than not, it’s unexpected. our age, experience, cultural norms, and basic preferences are typically different. so i’m surprised to recognize their pain, their anxiety, their frustration…as my own. and no, this isn’t the pain, anxiety and frustration of my 1999-2000 senior year in college. it’s the stuff of today as i’m two years into a career and they’re in the last couple years of university life.
i’m thankful for these times. i don’t have to wish that i could remember what it was like to be in their shoes 10+ years ago. our shoes differ but they hit the same pavement. we can grow together…
these are uncharted waters.