Know Who They Are by Lydia
Lydia's entry into Varsity Tutor's July 2022 scholarship contest
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Know Who They Are by Lydia - July 2022 Scholarship Essay
The one thing I wish I was taught is how to know who I am.
I had to figure it out all on my own. Okay, okay. I know that sounds like I'm just another lazy teenager that doesn't want to put in the work of self-discovery, but really, I am just your average kid who wished they would've had some more guidance. I think this is possible to be changed for our future generations.
The solution is simple; we need teachers to be passionate about their jobs and passionate about helping children develop their individuality as best as possible. That definitely sounds like a loaded statement, but it's much more possible than many people think it to be. What really needs to happen is a drastic change in the way we conduct our classrooms. Children arrive at school, follow a strict schedule under forced authority, and then go home and repeat the cycle. Sure, they learn some formulas and develop some reading skills in the process, but there is nothing of substance in regard to their individual lives being taught. That's just disappointing. How about we develop a system in which the children can learn the curriculum material while also being able to figure themselves out, in every context of the phrase.
However, this is more than frowned upon today. We've given kids more time with the arts and more time to creatively write, but what we neglect to teach them is how to wield the power they hold to create their own future. Knowing how to be who they are is of the utmost importance in a developing child's life. The key to having motivated and attentive students? Help them know who they are. The key to having higher graduation rates and active young participants in society? Help them know who they are. The key to a more inclusive and diverse future? Help them know who they are.
The responsibility is in our hands, and the coming years will be vital to determining whether or not we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children now and for the years to come afterward.
