Working with adolescents has both its challenges and blessings. On most days, a combination of the two can be expected to ebb and flow within an academic setting. However, on any particular day, when a teen does offer a significant challenge, I have learned that there is always some sort of pain, anger, sadness, or fear behind the offending behavior. Really, it does make sense because when given enough pressure, stress, pain, or instability even the most balanced person can, and probably will, act out in a negative manner which may affect those around them in a less than favorable way.
This is exactly what I experienced today as one normally level-headed young man came to me and, after being questioned, poured out the shocking reason why his academic performance and daily behavior has begun to spin in a seemingly downward spiral. Who would have ever guessed that this calm, polite, and respectful young man had experienced the sudden and tragic difficulties that he so earnestly described to me today. Without revealing his details, for the sake of an interesting blog, I must say that I did walk away from the situation in awe of how heavy a burden that many people carry and unless revealed, the person on the receiving end may never look past the behavior to see the person underneath.
Now, this may or may not be a great revelation; nonetheless, it can serve as a reminder that as we interact with others, throughout our day, we can never be sure what they may be dealing with. With this realization, perhaps we can do our part to react with compassion, gentleness, and understanding when those around us behave in ways that we deem inappropriate. After all, you cannot make a person act the way you may want them to; however, you can look beneath the surface to see the true person that lies behind the walls. Just a thought…
Thank you Ric.
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