"Look at this. We have to write all this down. It's too much work. I'm going to drop out."
10th grade world history. The assignment the boy was referring to was something about PowerPoint notes. It was two full pages long (or front and back of one page). In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't huge.
However, it was more than the boy wanted to do.
His friend, sitting next to him, concurred.
"You know [I forget who he named] dropped out, and look at him now."
I responded much as you'd expect. The gist was "stay in school". When I pointed out that most dropouts don't end up famous (or even comfortable), the boys responded with, "You don't think I can make it?"
Deep sigh.
Sophomores...
They explained their plans. They want to be YouTube famous. (I did point out that they could be in school and make YouTube videos on the side. I did point out that becoming YouTube famous wasn't a sure thing and/or all that easy. You can imagine how they responded to that.)
Ah well. It's better than planning on becoming a drug dealer.
Oh gosh, at least they agreed it was better to stay in school lol silly kiddos
ReplyDeleteThey didn't really agree with me. We left it at agreeing to disagree.
DeleteA teenager with a plan... sounds unusual and impressive.
DeleteImpressive like it's impressive when a kiddo plans on playing basketball for the NBA. And he's 5'3"...
DeleteThey don't realize how much hard work it is, even in those "famous" jobs, do they?
ReplyDeleteNo, they don't. I tried to explain that to them. This was "not believing in them". Sigh.
DeleteThere goal is to prove they can drop out and make it? That is incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteStill blown away that striving to be 'Youtube famous' is a thing.
ReplyDeleteIt is, indeed, a sad commentary on our times.
DeleteIt sounds like what they really need is a statistics class so they learn about probability.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - it's a sad state of affairs ... the bright ones will make it - those that don't apply themselves will be down the list somewhere ... hoping something good will happen - unlikely ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteSo if they are thinking writing a little bit is too much work and they are thinking of dropping out, what happens when they have to find a job flipping burgers for 8 hours so they can somewhat support themselves? That would be hard work in my opinion.
ReplyDeletebetty
I'm laughing at your teacher comment at the end. Given a choice of careers, I'd concur with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteSadly, that's a true story. A kiddo explained to me how he didn't need school as he was going to be a drug dealer.
Deletehahaha.....Youtube famous! I love that term. So funny.
ReplyDeleteI rather think they don't have the drive to do it.
DeleteSo glad I survived that age. ~grin~ Be well, my dear!
ReplyDeleteHow any of us survive that age...
DeleteI've heard primary (elementary) school kids say they want to be Youtube stars. What is happening in our world? Andy Warhol was right about the 5 seconds of fame thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's the next big thing. And it'll last until the next big thing.
DeleteI can't believe you've spoken with a kid that wanted to be a drug dealer when he grew up. My face looked like this 😮 when I saw your link.
ReplyDeleteYup, I did. That was an interesting conversation.
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