The title of this particular missive takes me back to when I was a kid attending school. I had a horrible habit of daydreaming while in class, which would invariably catch the attention of the teacher who would then utter that phrase in a low and somewhat authoritative manner. They say that kids will be kids; this one never grew up and simply had no choice but to become a writer. But in deference to those educators trying to enlighten me way back when, there is a growing need – an alarming need – for us to observe the world a bit more. If life passes us by in an instant, can you even imagine what is getting by right under our noses?
A few weeks back, our car finally decided that it wanted to meet its progeny, and I found myself at the dealer dreading the eventual cost of that visit. I had to leave the vehicle overnight, and the folks at the repair shop were kind enough to offer me a ride back home. After a few minutes, a young person walked up to me and said, Hi, my name is August and I’ll be giving you a ride today. They motioned over to a new Dodge Charger, and away we went.
August was a fascinating person. At only 19 years of age, there was a deep sense of connection with the world; a curiosity that touched upon various subjects and areas of interest like a smooth stone skipping across a lake. We spoke about philosophy, psychology, food, travel, martial arts and languages. August was just finishing the first year of undergraduate studies, yet the conversations and insights shared belied someone far older. The one thing that August was proud of was an insatiable sense of curiosity that translated into consuming books by the score on a wide variety of subjects. Just like potato chips, August could not read just one.
As we were nearing the farm, August asked about me about my background; my studies and general thoughts on the world. And that’s when it dawned on me: August was exceedingly curious, no doubt. But above all, August was an inquisitive observer. As I spoke about my eclectic background as an educator, technologist and writer, August began finding parallels to personal experiences. Suddenly, we began discovering connective threads between our two lives separated by a massive chasm of age and experience. But that didn’t deter August from wanting to learn, to share; to grow as an individual.
Of course, my vehicle was not ready the next day. Since it was Friday and therefore on the cusp of a weekend, I was concerned about being home without a car. Before I could ask, the person at the dealership told me that they would get me a loaner for the weekend. And then the voice on the phone added, August will be there to pick you up at 3:30pm. I was pleased. I was hoping to be able to continue our conversation that had been abruptly cut short the day before.
The ride back to the dealership did not disappoint. Our train of thought continued unabated, delving deeper into the nature of certain subjects such as psychology and the challenges of training to handle psychological trauma (August’s major is in psychology.) After we got to the dealership, I was swept up in the process of separating myself from a hefty amount of money. As I was talking with the Service Manager, she asked me if I had any questions. I told her that I had none but did mention that I appreciated the rides and complemented August on the great service and conversation. She went on to confide in me that that was her child, and that August had also expressed a great delight in the conversations we had. I thanked her for that and told her that she had a great kid in whom she should be proud. She said she was, and the smile on her face certainly validated that sentiment.
Years ago when I was a teacher, I would share an observation I had experienced in the classroom. It was that every teacher can learn, and every student can teach. Experience or age were inconsequential. What mattered most was the ability – the passion – to observe the world and learn from every experience, every encounter. The more you experience, the more you understand; the more you understand, the more you grow and the less you fear. August was a refreshing example of the rewards gathered through curiosity and inquisitiveness. Each of us owes a great deal to our ability for observing the world. Don’t ever turn your back on it; the consequences of your inaction will be a loss for us all.
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