The Principal and I had a chat this morning, amidst invigilating the EL Aptitude Test for the 14 year-old kidos wanting to apply for the Integrated Programme. I suggested, kindly, that she should perhaps address the current Year 1s about the possible 'sibling rivalry' (a term she fondly used) that just might occur, among other issues of elitism as the 'ground' seems tense and there are disgruntled mumurs. She seemed to have brushed it off as insecurity and I explained that these were teenagers - insecurity seems to be their middle name.
But her following comments sent me on a ponderous journey for the entire day. She said teachers are equally insecure, and so are principals. They want to be loved and revered - some more badly so than others. I thought the maturity of years would mellow one and provide some wisdom but she clearly disagreed. It seems insecurity never passes even with the withering of age. And that is frightening.
How far more true can this 'reality' be when I look around, at some of my students, at my peers and older colleagues, and my own friends. There are so few that are secure and comfortable with themselves, with who they are and what they want in life ...
Perhaps the greatest illness of the modern age isn't, as is so commonly thought, loneliness but insecurity. Loneliness is merely a symptom - the illness is insecurity.
Perhaps that is the inescapable condition of humanity - we all need to be needed; we all want to be wanted ... Even I ...
1 comment:
passerby here :)
well.. after reading this. i feel like introducing a novel to you :) it's just a short one, and don't worry it's not those little-woman-novel. it's too small for basketball by kris kenway.
well yeah.. the truth is insecurity is what makes one inferior and also the exact same thing that makes us boast and be proud. and it's not really the problem of the modern world, but the essence of it. just think. it's insecurity that makes people want to be better isn't it so? maybe it's not always the reason or the only reason.. but it's part of the reason.. and most of the time it is.
teenagers show their insecurity that's the difference. because they are able to, they can afford to.. it's like when we get older, we start dismissing things as unrealisitic, childish and all.. so most of the time it's being hidden, ignored. but really.. as we get older.. the more we know the more insecure we are isn't it?
i don't really know if what i say is right.. but that's what i gather from what i see. it's ok to be insecure, it's normal.
hope you have a nice day, and don't always agree with me alright? some of the "kids" seem to have problem with it.. haha.. if you catch what i mean.
take care
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