Middle school is a point of severe awkwardness for pretty much all parties involved. The awkwardness of body changing, hormones, sexuality, and the defining of cliques. Today I met with a young man at a local middle school because his counselor wanted him to meet someone else like him, someone else transgender. The conversation was kind of awkward but not in a bad way. I ended up sharing a bit of my story and journey so far with him. He asked questions, the counselor asked questions, and I responded. It may seem more like they were interviewing me but there was some mutual sharing going on. Also if you saw the way this young man was soaking up what I was saying you would have been in awe like I am. He took what I said and you could tell that he was genuinely processing the information. I think some of my story helped him understand a bit more and helped him see that no matter how different he seemed or felt, you can still lead a good life full of happiness and love.
This young man also inspires me. To be so brave at 14 to admit to being something so very different from the norm is incredible. I wish I had his courage. He also taught me that even the lows of my story are important because my lows in relation to my highs are what show that good things do happen. I am thankful that I got the opportunity to speak with him. I do hope that I can be as brave as him when I grow up.
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