I can’t say I enjoyed High school. Some parts were interesting, and others quite frustrating. I probably engaged the concept in the wrong frame of mind, but that’s all history now. The life event was a non event. I learnt what managed to filter through the attitude which I guess, had much to do with the notion that the school new best, and I chose to resist.
….. so it began. I was told I should learn Te Reo Maori, so I enrolled in the French class. I was told I would be better suited in the Woodwork class, so I took Home Economics (cooking). I should play basketball because of my height so volley ball it was. I intended to play Rugby until I realized the grading system was determined by weight, rather than age. Because I was so big, this meant I had to play with boys two to three years older than I – almost grown men through the eyes of a fourteen year old.
Social Studies, History and Sciences felt disconnected from reality. Unrelated to anything I intended to do or had experienced over the next forty plus years. What I needed to know I learnt through life’s lessons or I targeted that specific knowledge and taught myself. Learning this way was fun. The sense of achievement was far more gratifying than some piece of paper that suggested you were very smart and entitled to all great things in life.
The school curriculum bored me but there were aspects I enjoyed. Everything was a game with flexible rules and no real objective except to enjoy the day. I had some good friends during this time and as high school mates do, we got up to some mischief, but nothing too outrageous. I enjoyed the cooking class cause of the snacks at the end of the day. The French teacher was a bit of alright and we done OK in the National Volleyball tournament (runners-up if I remember correctly).
It was high school that awakened my vanity. Appearance suddenly become important and I was often disappointed by the fact that we didn’t have much and what we did have, had to last. Yes, I felt some shame but it never lasted more than a moment. I couldn’t change my circumstances so no point in stressing. Then there was Dads haircut day. Even now I shudder at the thought of one of his haircuts. This normally occurred on the weekend – bowl on the head, buzz cut, done, ugly as – not even a “would you like a coffee while you wait?”; then the rest of the weekend stressing over my return to school embarrassed then angered by the scrutiny and comments. I swore when I left home and working, I would never cut my hair again.
Apart from my BFF who lived not far from us, I didn’t socialise with my school friends outside of school hours. I was embarrassed by our living arrangements. I never had pocket money and for that same reason, I had no good threads to prance around in – not that it mattered because we were never allowed out after dark. I wouldn’t get my mates around home. I couldn’t exposed them to Mum, that just wouldn’t be fair on my mates.
I was never phased by all this negativity. It was a journey I had to take. Along the way I broke a few rules, demonstrated a bit of anger and frustration – and looked forward to the next leg, whatever that may be.
Mum and Dad didn’t think much of schooling. Perhaps that was a result of their generation being forced to renounce their culture. Only they can explain the impact that had on them and theirs, but there was a definite lack of respect for the Colonial education system.
At 15 years old, my parents ripped me out of school for smoking (cigarettes). That was their reasoning but I later wondered whether there was more to be told. Mum apologised many years later but still didn’t explain why. I have my suspicions but that is as far as it progressed
In reality I didn’t mind. The school system and I clashed, so to leave was the best option for all concerned. At the time it wasn’t unusual for teenagers to drop out. Employment was easy to come by, material needs were minimal and stress level were….. well, there was no stress. I admit the transition was tough. I was all tucked up in my warm little bubble – now the bubble had burst and I was afraid. I felt lost in a world I didn’t really care for and unsure how it worked, but I was aware of the wonders it had to offer so I persevered and prospered. I have traveled far and wide and at no point have I looked back with regret. If I have gained any insight, it is to look ahead to your final destination. Be flexible in your planning and enjoy the ride.
It may seem odd after this little story, but I do believe education is important. It provides options In today’s working environment, options are key and the quality of those options are determined by the quality of the education you receive. So to those who matter, get to school!
Young people cannot do what I did as a 15 year old in 1975. Things are far more complicated today. I lied about my age for three years so I got an adult wage. I walked straight in and did mans work for a mans wage. I don’t recall signing any paperwork. My interview content was, “you do your work or we sack you”. $66.00 a week and a joint at morning smoko. Welcome to the real world ….
If you have any questions please put them out there. I know I am a little old school and that won’t change much. I find old school less chaotic, peaceful, which suits my thoughtful nature.
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Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.
Rita Mae Brown
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