The Breakfast Club of Life

Well, vacation is over and college football has (for some) mercifully come to an end. I have returned after two weeks to my new home: (room 53 at Laguna Beach High School). Upon returning I was reminded of where I taught and the type of students I was teaching when a student came up and said, "Here, I forgot to give you your Christmas gift."

While that might not appear to be strange to the you the outsider, can you honestly remember giving your high school teachers a present? And if you did, was it a fresh red apple or just a card saying Thank You for being my teacher? Or how bout this? Did you ever give your teacher an American Express credit card with a $100 balance to be spent at their leisure?

Because upon opening my gift from this student, that is what I found. Needless-to-say, I was somewhat shocked and taken back. After recovering I, of course, raised this kid's grade immediately! Who says that teachers can't be bought?

Anyway, I have been constantly asked what the difference is between teaching in Riverside and teaching in Laguna Beach. My response is, "not much." All high school kids basically act the same: (see Breakfast Club photo).

You will always have your rebels, nerds, jocks, goths, and hotties. (question: Is Molly Ringwald really considered to be hot? I think my bro. in law Eric is the only one that thinks so). Anyway, the gifts at Christmas time were the only noticeable difference so far. True the skin color and the main language spoken might be a little different but at their core all teenagers fit into one of those five categories.

I guess the question then should be asked......If teenagers in all aspects of life can basically be categorized into only 5 categories, are those categories ever changed even as we grow older?

My guess is No.

True, you might change categories as you grow older but look around you....don't you know people who are still trying their hardest to get into the "hottie" category even as they turn 40 (muffin tops and bikinis that don't fit come to mind) or try and remain in the "jock" category (see softball player) or try as they might get out of the "nerd" category: (Anyone want to watch the BYU game at my house? I'll supply the Sprite). Then there are those who refuse to work for a living, act as if they don't care about anyone or anything "rebels" and of course, I'm going to continue wearing black my whole life and act depressed all the time "goths."

All in all, I've come to a conclusion: I teach high school kids for a living and still attend high school even when I leave work.