I had a wicked terrible work week this week. And was beginning to lose hope in all of humanity when the most perfect teen moment happened in my study hall last hour Friday. I am often asked how I could teach high school, when it was so awful the first time around? The answer is simple. The first time I lived the drama. Now, it is like watching a reality tv show on mtv, priceless entertainment.
All names have been changed to protect people’s awesomeness.
I have my study hall sitting all spread out and silent due to their desire to talk, talk, talk, and talk louder. One can only listen to conversations starting with “Oh my god Becky did you see what she was wearing?” so many times, before one has had enough.
Image the two most popular girls in school, Sally and Betty, sitting in the farthest row from me directly behind each other. One row over and seat back is Johnny.
Sally turns to Betty, ” Mike’s mom is at school.” Betty turns to Johnny, “Mike’s mom is at school.” They both look forward. Johnny replies “Am I supposed to care?” In complete synchronization they turn their heads with a quickness roll their eyes with exact timing and then whip their heads back forward at the exact same moment. He then says, “Was there something I was supposed to get there?” They do not even move. He begins to apologize and makes an excuse to get up and go closer to them and whisper in Betty’s ear. She ignores him.
I say, “Johnny they are already mad at you just leave them alone.” The class laughs.
It could not have been a more perfect teen movie moment if they had planned it.
And some days it is the little things that make you smile and get you through until the next day.
nevercontrary 
NC,
I’m 107 years old, and I didn’t get any of that. Christ I’m old, and it’s not because my bones are hurting…
Le Clown
Yes the kids do keep me young. I hate to admit I even know all of their music.
If I had had you as a high school teacher I think my life would have been nearly perfect when I was 16. Instead I had nuns teaching me how to hate geometry.
You never know maybe. Some students really like me, others not so much. I am slightly sarcastic and not all teens are equipped to handle that.
Johnny sounds too rational for these gals…until he realizes he’s not gonna score with all that rationalization he does.
I think once he realized he upset them this occurred to him.
As my son once said…”girls are drama, they just can’t eat lunch without it” 8th grade.
That is the funniest thing ever. Thanks for that.
So true, especially since a lot of them don’t bother with the whole eating lunch at school bit. Makes me sad.
I love this. Ive worked in middle school (grades 6, 7, and 8) and I sometimes miss the drama. I do not miss the smells and scents which waft down the halls though….
Oh the smells of the young ones before they realize they smell. Terrifying. By highschool they have fixed this problem.
Great! And your response is priceless. I worked with preschoolers for about four years. Everyday they gave me something to laugh about, like the four-year old girl who, realizing she had left something at home, said, “Shit! I forgot my indoor shoes. Sometimes being a teacher is fabulous.
Oh the little ones are too funny!
Lol. That would have made me feel better too. Kids!
I now wish mine would talk about chocolate.
One day, I hope I have a kid like Johnny.
Also, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh wow. Was I that obnoxious as a teen?” about the part where the too girls were enthralled by that kids mom being there. I took drama classes, so yeah, probably. Those kids gossiped the most.
I know in middle school I was. Probably high school too.