Invasion of the Teenagers

The dust-ridden, faded mustard-colored bus rambles to a screeching halt in the parking lot. The first teenager emerges and what ensues is akin to a scene out of The Walking Dead. One patron is petrified at the front window with a blank stare of disbelief. Grips are tightened on coffee mugs, purse strings are pulled closer, and customers scramble to pay their tabs. The procession of teenagers is now at the entrance and there is no escape.

I am the first to admit that the teenage years are a tricky time in life. I recall being lost in the precarious space between childhood and adulthood. I was on a quest for a sense of belonging, acceptance by my peers, and success. It was an unremitting journey filled with crossroads of indecision. Fortunately, I had caring adults help me find my way.

Teenagers often get linked to negative stereotypes like drugs, alcohol, apathy, and disrespect. In some cases these negative stereotypes hold merit. Yet, my years in the classroom and on the field have taught me a different lesson. The vast majority of teenagers are respectful, resilient, humble, and hard working.

My days are filled with droves of teenagers. Sometimes it feels like rounding up cats but more often than not it is rewarding. We find meaning from both the literature and our life experiences. I always enjoy learning a chapter or two about my students over the course of a school year.

Their narratives are often awe-inspiring. The following stories are a small sample from my first English class of the day:

Baking is pure joy to Katrina; one day she hopes to be a world-renowned baker.

The culinary arts contest is a competitive cauldron that can bubble over at any time. Her stomach is a field of butterflies. She can feel the flutter of wings trapped inside. She closes her eyes and envisions the butterflies being set free.

The ingredients must be methodically measured and the plan executed to perfection. She finds the courage to press on. The nausea evaporates into elation— her cake is beautiful.

Alisandra is a magnificent gymnast and aspires to become a surgeon.

Ali practices four hours daily and coaches afterwards at Denali Gymnastics. The vault, bars, beam, and floor have become her sanctuary. She deftly navigates the beam with the agility of a jungle cat and her floor routine is spectacular. Ali is intensely competitive— she qualified for the 2015 U.S. Women's National Junior Olympic Championships.

Ali is a stellar instructor; she is beloved by both of my young boys. Gymnastics is their favorite sport thanks to Coach Ali.

Joseph is blessed by the gifts of music and writing.

Joseph comes from a family of musicians. He is dedicated to the trumpet, violin, and viola. Joseph is a member of the prestigious Mat-Su Youth Orchestra. The whole class was mesmerized when he performed Bach’s Double Violin Concerto. He has a quiet ferocity about him when he plays that evokes an emotional connection to the music.

Levi wrestles and aims to graduate from the United States Naval Academy.

Levi has long-flowing hair and is the epitome of a Viking. He would have been a formidable seafarer patrolling the coasts in a longboat during ancient times. He recently represented Alaska at the Arctic Winter Games in Greenland. He conquered his foes and came back home with the gold. He is ranked nationally. He will continue to strive towards greatness both on and off the mat.

Here is an additional snapshot from that same class:

Emali traveled to China and is a world explorer. Rebecca has performed in seven plays. Jimmy and Kyle hope to play college baseball. Madison has a passion for poetry. Victoria boxes and has great admiration for her father. Savanna has lettered in every sport she competes in. Keanna is interested in becoming an EMT. Riley is an accomplished woodworker. Kyelie takes pride in helping others. Libby loves soccer. Megan commercial fishes. Luba plays the guitar.

I would venture to say that most middle and high school teachers share my sentiment when it comes to teenagers. We focus on their gifts, believe in their potential, and hopefully empower them to follow their dreams. After all, these remarkable young men and women are our future.

I have survived my fair share of road trips. It can be daunting when a pack of hungry teenagers invades a local eatery. It is vital to make haste and order that stack of pancakes.

My final tip is to connect with a teenager. It might be both positive and reassuring.

Blake Livingston teaches English at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School