Being Part of a Community
- At April 13, 2022
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher gave us an assignment to decide what job we wanted when we grew up. We were meant to do a bit of research and write a report about it.
My mother was particularly upset by that homework. “How can kids possibly know what they will do in the future? When you are young, you are meant to be exploring the world. You are meant to expand what you know in all directions. Later, when you are a lot older, you can consider how you want to direct your life more specifically.”
Then she added, “Don’t choose something ordinary for this silly assignment. Choose something that will broaden your thinking. Like a spy. Tell your teacher you want to join the CIA!”
Being the dutiful daughter that I was, I did as I was told. My teacher was horrified. She was a simple local gal, so could only respond according to her own educational training. “Is this a joke? Choose something more appropriate!” I knew I had to stay in that class, so to avoid conflict, I sheepishly chose nurse.
One of the many things that impresses me about the Japanese culture is how it encourages kids to learn about their community and to be part of society. One way they do this is to take them on fieldtrips to learn about jobs.
The other day in the small post office near my home, I noticed an interesting display. They were thank you letters written by a second grade class. The students had recently held an interview with the postmaster and clerks. The messages thanked the adults for their time and for what they had learned. Of course, those gems were proudly displayed for the whole community to enjoy.
This sort of thing is not unusual here. It is possible to see such delights in hospitals, train stations, police stations, and fire halls. The purpose, or course, is to introduce the children to many jobs that make up a community. And it also teaches them the fine art of gratitude.
Kids are always trained to think of others. I have several friends with young children. The kids love drawing, so are usually busy at work when I am there. As I am leaving, either spontaneously or with a bit of prompting, the child will give me a drawing.
“Remember, we want to make other people happy. So, don’t keep your drawing for yourself or for mommy. Think how happy Anne will be with your artwork.”
And of course, I am. I have several of these masterpieces displayed in the entranceway of my home.
And now because it is cherry blossom season, almost everyone takes time to enjoy the ethereal beauty of Sakura. People go to parks in groups, with friends, as families, on their own. All ages are together. Everyone appreciates this permission to be free and open. From infants to ancients, people are united by beauty. What could be a better way to hold a society together?
Love,
Anne
When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher gave us an assignment to decide what job we wanted when we grew up. We were meant to do a bit of research and write a report about it.
My mother was particularly upset by that homework. “How can kids possibly know what they will do in the future? When you are young, you are meant to be exploring the world. You are meant to expand what you know in all directions. Later, when you are a lot older, you can consider how you want to direct your life more specifically.”
Then she added, “Don’t choose something ordinary for this silly assignment. Choose something that will broaden your thinking. Like a spy. Tell your teacher you want to join the CIA!”
Being the dutiful daughter that I was, I did as I was told. My teacher was horrified. She was a simple local gal, so could only respond according to her own educational training. “Is this a joke? Choose something more appropriate!” I knew I had to stay in that class, so to avoid conflict, I sheepishly chose nurse.
One of the many things that impresses me about the Japanese culture is how it encourages kids to learn about their community and to be part of society. One way they do this is to take them on fieldtrips to learn about jobs.
The other day in the small post office near my home, I noticed an interesting display. They were thank you letters written by a second grade class. The students had recently held an interview with the postmaster and clerks. The messages thanked the adults for their time and for what they had learned. Of course, those gems were proudly displayed for the whole community to enjoy.
This sort of thing is not unusual here. It is possible to see such delights in hospitals, train stations, police stations, and fire halls. The purpose, or course, is to introduce the children to many jobs that make up a community. And it also teaches them the fine art of gratitude.
Kids are always trained to think of others. I have several friends with young children. The kids love drawing, so are usually busy at work when I am there. As I am leaving, either spontaneously or with a bit of prompting, the child will give me a drawing.
“Remember, we want to make other people happy. So, don’t keep your drawing for yourself or for mommy. Think how happy Anne will be with your artwork.”
And of course, I am. I have several of these masterpieces displayed in the entranceway of my home.
And now because it is cherry blossom season, almost everyone takes time to enjoy the ethereal beauty of Sakura. People go to parks in groups, with friends, as families, on their own. All ages are together. Everyone appreciates this permission to be free and open. From infants to ancients, people are united by beauty. What could be a better way to hold a society together?
Love,
Anne
