Proud to be...

A teen mentor.
 
I was able to witness my teens be 'mature' at the Literacy Festival this past week. For that, I had to indeed give them a B I G group hug! Really, I have always been proud of them, but none moreso than Saturday. It simply was something I had to admire - because they had told me that they would be on their... best... behavior.  
 
And they were!
 
I know at times, people find the teens noisy, obnoxious and down right rude. All of these adjectives do indeed apply to the ones I have cultivated from day one. It can't be helped and hardly controlled. However, I do not encourage it, never have. Though it's probably a mistake in letting them be themselves (since I really am not their mother), I know it's their 'wild child' who needs to be seen. But I understand why they do it. I was there myself (and have I really grown up?). They want attention no matter who gives it. I think they do what they do in front of others so that they CAN be told to calm down. They may act like they don't listen, but deep down inside I know they do.
 
I am able to give that order; I can focus their true abilities. I can make them channel their frustration and drama. So to them, I'm not just "the library lady", I am also a role model and at times, their "mother". I try not to be. That's not my job and like anyone else, I have flaws and missteps. But anyone in my position who deals with teens on a "professional" level understands that the teens are not children - and they are certainly not adults. I simply "nurture" and "encourage" them to be the best they can be, no matter what their age is. If it means growing up and being mature on some level, at some point in their lives, then so be it. Grow up! Be mature!
 
These teens are with me, even when I am not at work. I have known them through thick and thin. In my 7 years as a teen advocate, I have seen many go onto college, onto something better. Some, I have helped when I thought they were just 'stuck'. Like Leonard B., who, for a time a few years ago was drifting, with no work and no school after graduation. His girl friend had broken up with him months before she went to U.C. Davis, and he really had no direction after that. With nothing to keep him 'sane' and out of trouble, as he put it he decided to sign up for COD with my encouraging and "prodding". Then... he stopped coming to COA. I grew a little worried. I wasn't sure what happened, no one had seen him around.
 
It was all made better a month or two ago, when, looking the same, but with a different attitude, I saw him just outside of Wal-Mart. Though he is still not working (I blamed the economy; he blamed his hair!), he is STILL at COD, 2nd year! I couldn't help but beam with pride at what he had managed to accomplish. 
 
So yes I know teens can have issues and can be very vocal about it. They are selfish to fufill their own satisfaction. And they certainly do know how to get the attention.
 
But... they are able to take charge of what is rightfully theirs: their own life!
 
And make no mistake, I know we may not be their mothers or fathers but it still feels good that we can still certainly make a difference.
 
That's the message I got this week. What was yours?
 
~Miss Sue