Recently, I've started feeling my age. As a 27-year-old wrapping up my Bachelor's in Creative Business—just one subject and thesis away—retaking a tough course has immersed me among 17-year-olds. Their boldness has been eye-opening. Here's what unfolded in my first class back.
Table of contents
Motivated, I entered the classroom and took a front-row seat with my notebook ready. The students clustered in the back, chatting loudly as the teacher was absent. Eavesdropping, I caught their conversation—I've replaced profanities with 'flower' for readability.
Also read: the puberty of my girls, their behavior makes me furious
"Yes, man, I hate that 'flower' woman so much. I mean, I just want to get my driver's license without the hassle. She really only whines about parking that 'flower'. She is just as much a 'flower' woman as the 'flower' woman who teaches this lesson."
The teacher arrived, but it took 10 minutes of prompting before the chatter subsided. That's the dynamic I've observed.
Five minutes in, a boy and girl in the back laughed disruptively. The teacher politely asked for quiet. The girl sighed dismissively, waving her off with 'Yes, go!' Unfazed at first, the teacher continued, but the disruptions persisted.
Read also: that you end up in the hospital and your daughters complain about an empty fridge
Irritated, the teacher demanded the girl leave. The response was explosive: the girl jumped up, yelling, 'What now? I'm not doing anything right?! Just don't say that! 'Flower' madam! Keep going!' Stunned, a few older students and I turned to watch.
The teacher's hand trembled as she pointed to the door: 'Come on. Now please go.' The girl planted her hands on her hips: 'You're not going to make a fuss, are you? Just go on damn it (sorry, 'flower' here), I'll pay attention! So go ahead!'
The teacher insisted, but the girl refused, sitting defiantly. Flustered and red-faced, the teacher exited briefly. Peers urged the girl to leave for everyone's sake, but she snapped back. Upon returning, the teacher issued an ultimatum. Amid mounting peer pressure, the girl stormed out, slamming the door and hurling insults.
This wasn't fiction—it left me speechless. At that age, such behavior meant immediate expulsion. As a parent, I hope my daughter never acts this way. Is it poor upbringing, generational norms, or something else? What are your thoughts?
Image used via Shutterstock
