Surrounded by Geeks
Every once in awhile, I am made aware that I am surrounded by atypical teenagers. It’s bad enough that my own sons are geeks, but many of the teenagers I work with are as well.
Yesterday, one of my students named Jessica, came into yearbook and showed me a little vial on a necklace, which she proudly declared contained her DNA. She had been wearing it around her neck all day. Another student, one of the typical variety, stopped and said, “Why in the world would you have that?” Snarky teacher that I am, I answered, “In case she commits a crime, she’ll now have the evidence to solve it for herself.” Typical student turns to Jessica and says, “Really?”
Then last night, we went to purchase Kyler’s cap and gown. Miranda and her father were in the line behind us. When she came up to say hi, my son didn’t respond in the typical manner. No “Hiya, babe, whut’s the haps?” for Kyler. Nope. Kyler says quite naturally, “Why are you still wearing your DNA, Miranda?” And she responds with equal gravity, “Because I like it.” I felt like I was in a science fiction world where everyone carries their DNA around in a vial tied to their necks as if it were a diamond.
This is not the end of the DNA tale, however. Last night I was closing the curtains in the living room when I noticed Figaro had something dangling from his mouth. When he saw me, he dropped it and I bent down to pick up a small, clear vial on a string. Ignoring the fact that my cat carries odd objects in his mouth, I shouted up the stairs, “Kyler, Figaro has your DNA.” What mother says this? Other mothers find vials of questionable substances in their children’s rooms, but I would bet money it isn’t their son’s DNA.
Even odder still, this isn’t the first time that I’ve found strange things coming out of my mouth. When I was a teenager, the cops were always showing up at our house to answer a neighbor’s complaint about the noise from my brother’s heavy metal band. That is normal. That is typical teen behavior. Not for me. How many mothers have ever yelled the following down the hallway at night:
“Turn down that damn JAZZ, Kyler!”
NOTE: Initially written May 2010.
Yesterday, one of my students named Jessica, came into yearbook and showed me a little vial on a necklace, which she proudly declared contained her DNA. She had been wearing it around her neck all day. Another student, one of the typical variety, stopped and said, “Why in the world would you have that?” Snarky teacher that I am, I answered, “In case she commits a crime, she’ll now have the evidence to solve it for herself.” Typical student turns to Jessica and says, “Really?”
Then last night, we went to purchase Kyler’s cap and gown. Miranda and her father were in the line behind us. When she came up to say hi, my son didn’t respond in the typical manner. No “Hiya, babe, whut’s the haps?” for Kyler. Nope. Kyler says quite naturally, “Why are you still wearing your DNA, Miranda?” And she responds with equal gravity, “Because I like it.” I felt like I was in a science fiction world where everyone carries their DNA around in a vial tied to their necks as if it were a diamond.
This is not the end of the DNA tale, however. Last night I was closing the curtains in the living room when I noticed Figaro had something dangling from his mouth. When he saw me, he dropped it and I bent down to pick up a small, clear vial on a string. Ignoring the fact that my cat carries odd objects in his mouth, I shouted up the stairs, “Kyler, Figaro has your DNA.” What mother says this? Other mothers find vials of questionable substances in their children’s rooms, but I would bet money it isn’t their son’s DNA.
Even odder still, this isn’t the first time that I’ve found strange things coming out of my mouth. When I was a teenager, the cops were always showing up at our house to answer a neighbor’s complaint about the noise from my brother’s heavy metal band. That is normal. That is typical teen behavior. Not for me. How many mothers have ever yelled the following down the hallway at night:
“Turn down that damn JAZZ, Kyler!”
NOTE: Initially written May 2010.
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Tasha
(new)
Jan 12, 2011 02:24PM
I have a friend, 16 or 17 who listens to Jazz. He is in the same guitar class as I am and some kids teased him for a while because he plays in a Jazz style, whereas most of the other kids (mostly freshman, but some sophomores, juniors and no seniors) try to be rock stars (try being the keyword). But, when midterms came and we were forced to perform a song with a group in front of the class, they found out just how good he is and nobody has bothered him since. Judging by my friend's personality, I'm pretty sure his mom yells at him to turn the Jazz down as well. ^^
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Natasha,Ha! That's a great story. Does your school have a jazz band? Two of my boys play jazz. At our high school, the jazz students are the best musicians.
ML
I don't believe so. We have an orchestra and a regular band. I think some of the kids that play the brass instruments are trying to start one though. There's just not enough of them to make it well known.
That's too bad. With budget cuts, the first thing that goes is the art and music classes. Does your band do field shows and march?
By what I've heard, the band plays on the field at football games. I don't attend football games though. And I think they go to other schools for competitions.
