The Shoes We Once Filled.

Remember the days, while sitting in your 11th grade chem class, or hanging outside in the student parking lot, all the things you could have been doing rather than wasting precious hang out time at school? I remember. Now remember the days when you felt like the world was against you and it never wanted you to weather the storm of adolescence, so it kept you locked up in your room, only hoping for someone to listen and understand. I also remember.

It has not been that long since I have left the halls of high school, lets say its still within the decade. Yet I feel like my senior year was left behind ages ago. Left behind with the senior class of Breaker High, and Saved By The Bell's The College Years and when IPods were the new CD players. Doesn't seem that long ago, but it seems like the time lapse between being a youth to an adult was nothing longer then the snap of your fingers. We forget that we as adults were once children.

With all this hype put on today's generation on looking like magazine models, and being in touch technically rather than spiritually. We forget that there are children underneath all the name brand clothes and unique hairstyles and that underneath those white ear phones, are ears willing to listen if only we are willing to hear what they need to say.

I used to be a a troubled youth, who did crazy things from time to time, but I was also a child who listened if the person speaking put care into the words they were speaking. It doesn't take much for someone to be reached, but it does take alot of effort for a child to be willing to give you the time.

So the next time you want to inspire someone who you consider a youth. Remember you were once in their shoes, and that you were once their age but they have not been yours. Speak with care, teach with empathy. For we live in a world where we no longer pay babysitters but our cable providers to watch our children.

All it takes is time and care, to reach out to our youth out there.

Learn more about this author, Juanito Aguil.
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