In my non-writing life, I run a job skill program for a nonprofit organization. This means that I’m in local high schools quite a bit -- mostly dealing with the teachers, but obviously I interact with the students during my visits, as well. I’ve been out of high school for almost ten years, but I have to tell you, it seems as if a whole lifetime already separates my generation from teenagers today. Many teenagers -- particularly the girls -- seem so much more sophisticated and adult. Sometimes I feel as though I’ve stepped into some sort of alternate universe, that’s how foreign these girls seem to me -- and, trust me, I’ve never been a “cool” kid!
What truly worries me, though, is the emphasis that so many girls have on their outward appearance. It saddens me that it’s very uncool to be smart or intelligent, and instead, being sexy or pretty, or -- worst of all! -- skinny, is the ultimate goal. I admit, we all have those weak moments where we compare ourselves to another woman who is thinner, blonder, or something else that we secretly wish we were. It’s definitely something within me that I’d like to shake! But when I have those moments, I force myself to take a step back and think -- who can probably carry on a deeper level of conversation? Who has the sharper wit? I firmly believe that if you read, take an interest in the world, and develop a range of interests, it not only makes you a more well-rounded person, but it helps your sense of humor, too! And “interesting” often translates into “fun” -- it might just take a little bit longer for people to find that out.
It saddens me to see the narrow focus that many girls/women have. Obviously, there are certain things that everyone has to care about -- family, friends, kids, house, bills, job -- and the priority levels vary for everyone. But once we get past the basics, there has to be more. It’s a huge world, with more happening every day. It seems a shame that there are so many girls out there who are much more sophisticated than I was at their age, yet their focus is so narrow. Friends, hair, nails -- that just doesn’t cut it. I know that there are fellow book nerds out there who have been playing down that side of their personality, and all I can say is, “Shame on you! We want to hear what you have to say!” And, more importantly, I’d like to know what you’re reading! Submitted by: Sara Hodon
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