I'm sitting here listening to a student as he reads from F. Scott Fitzgerald's Winter Dreams -- a short story about a man obsessed with a woman. You know --the whole unrequited love idea. The other students follow in the book as he reads. He's a good reader and he reads with feeling and with skill. Why is he in summer school? Because he listens to the beat of a different drum -- quite literally -- he is a musician. What he is doing here in the summer school class filled with students whose IQ's do not even breach his numbers is probably a mystery to him. Yet, he takes this in stride and makes the most of it.

The other young people look to him as a leader -- someone smart, but his grades don't show it. I know it. I've seen his genius, he was on my newspaper staff. He will be a famous musician someday most likely, or one of those obscure ones playing for money in NYC, waiting for someone to appreciate their art. He has his own muse and listens to no one but that spirit.

The funny thing is, this talented amazing young man doesn't fit in with the school system. He cannot be pigeonholed by his scores or his grades. His grades are definitely not reflective of his ability. Yet the school looks at him as a problem, not a hope for the future.

Interesting day, interesting time we live in, isn't it.

Comments:

Your really hit the nail on the head, while describing the student. He may not fit into the school system the way it is now, but hopefully (and it sounds like it) he will maintain and/or find his way to happiness in this life.

comment by lunarhunk on July 2, 2008 11:24 AM ()

That's why I love teaching journalism. It's all about creativity and finding a niche for yourself, whether you are a photographer, a page designer, a writer or an editor. You have a place to stretch your creative legs and run! It's my favorite thing to teach.

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 3:24 PM ()

comment by looserobes on July 2, 2008 7:55 AM ()

That's how I feel. He will find his niche and his place somewhere. He's smart and insightful. I have no doubts.

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 9:59 AM ()

comment by meranda on July 2, 2008 7:30 AM ()

We have a Performing ARts magnet here, but he doesn't really fit in there. He's a Rock and Roller

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 9:58 AM ()

I feel that is a key problem with schools, trying to pigeon hole kids and make them fit. some kids are just different, like this young man. I imagine he is thankful to have you as a teacher, someone who recognizes he is different and talented!

comment by elkhound on July 2, 2008 7:20 AM ()

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 9:57 AM ()

comment by kristilyn3 on July 2, 2008 7:07 AM ()

Not with us creative teacher types

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 7:17 AM ()

comment by marta on July 2, 2008 6:22 AM ()

Yes, you are so right

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 6:44 AM ()

comment by spicybitch on July 2, 2008 6:09 AM ()

I'm the reverse as far as Fitzgerald and Hemmingway go. I loved Papa Hemmingway's stuff, I felt he got to the heart of it. THE GREAT GATSBY was one of the most interesting and fastest reads for me. It's Faulkner who puts me over the edge with his descriptions. I do love reading the classics though. There's a reason why they are called that and it's not just age.

reply by teacherwoman on July 2, 2008 6:46 AM ()