Off To A Good Start

                                   

A friend of mine, the world renowned Short Jewish Gal, posted this photo of herself the other day. It was taken in the 70’s, early in a high school career. The photo struck me because, although it is just a snapshot, it suggests so much of what it is to be a successful teen: competent, confident, happy, purposeful. Stepping off the doorstep of your home, stepping onto the sidewalk of life.

This is certainly not a reality for a great many teens, teens that struggle with social and economic conditions that no one, of any age, should have to endure, certainly not developing youths. For far too many teens it is so much more than pimples and bad hair days. For many, the barriers are substantial, the hardships are real, expectations almost nonexistent, progress elusive. For many, by the time they are 14 or 15 they will have become convinced, have had beaten into their brains, that the future holds absolutely, positively nothing to look forward to.

The photo above, however, gives a welcome look in the other direction. Well dressed and well groomed, a smile on her face and books in hand, (a budding Westside Jewish democrat at that!), she certainly appears to be among the most fortunate of teens. But the thing that grabs me most is her wave. An open mouthed smile and her right hand in motion she greets the photographer, the day, the world, in a manner that acknowledges, welcomes, and places her firmly in command. This photo is the picture of parental success: A nearly grown child confidently stepping into adulthood. Not privilege or entitlement, just well prepared, able, and happy about the whole damn thing—and, willing to show it!