Talking about college

Somehow, through casual conversation during our morning message, college came up. I asked students if they wanted to go to college. Some said yes enthusiastically, others said no. My mom always told me that when I have my own children, I need to talk about college. She also told me to say not "if you go..." but "when you go...".

Today I started to tell the students about college and what it really meant. Like hanging out with friends whenever I wanted, eating breakfast, dinner, and lunch whenever I wanted, meeting the best friends of my life, being able to do sports and band, and staying up late if I wanted to. I also talked about how there are ways to find money to help you go, like scholarships. I told them that the most special part was that I got to study what I wanted, so it was more meaningful to be there. I told them my goal was to be a teacher and they all responded, "You ARE a teacher!!! You met your goal?!?!?!"

I couldn't believe their reaction. Each time I said something else, they responded with a "Whoaaaaaa!!" or "Yeaaaaaa!". They had no idea college was like this. And that it is possible to achieve their dreams and goals.

It was a really fun conversation. What one might call, "A teachable moment."

Besides their reaction, I didn't really know how it sunk in.

Then at bus call, another teacher called me over. She was talking to one of my students as they waited for his van ride. She said they were talking about all the merits of college and what my student was going to do "when" he goes to college. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) He brought up the conversation. He said he probably wouldn't go into writing, but he likes math, so he would do that.

I was speechless.

He also mentioned he would be able to jump on the bed if he wanted. ;)