While sitting at the local school bus stop with a neighbor’s son, I marveled just how much the conversation hasn’t changed much among young people of today. And even though it’s been years since I was a youngster waiting for the bus, the topics of discussion are the same at the bus stop.
For about 10 minutes it was just he and I waiting for the arrival of the bus.
Little by little children of other neighbors started trickling down the street. They seemed to be resigned to the fact that it was just another school day to get through.
In my observations I saw only one parent sitting in her SUV near the bus stop. Perhaps many parents were already at work or heading there. One girl particularly caught my interest because she was carrying her violin. Boy, do I ever remember trudging my violin back and forth to school. I played it for 13 years.
Somehow the conversation turned to cafeteria food. Most of the students heartily vocalized their displeasure with the nastiness of the food. I asked them what was so bad about it and they gave several responses. They did admit that they had the option of bringing their own lunch. Apparently it wasn’t as bad as they let on because no one was carrying a lunch box. It seems like yesterday that my classmates and I were making those same complaints about the cafeteria food.
These students ranged from 1st to 5th grade. They were neat in appearance and very polite. I then began telling them the importance of listening to their teachers and getting good grades in school.
Soon the traditional yellow bus with red lights flashing stopped to gather the children and carry them safely to their destination. I waved at them and bid them a good day.
As I walked back to my house I felt good that I was able to spend a few moments with these children and encourage them. Children are so very impressionable at this age. They know when you genuinely care. These are the children who will be our future leaders. If taking a few moments out of the busyness of life can inspire them, then it is well worth the effort. You never know how far a little hope can take a child.
SOURCE:
Personal experience