Yes I have to admit. This will not be a friendly post.
One of the difficult things I have to endure working in a conservative surrounding is the 'busybody' level of (not all) my fellow colleagues. Sometimes it's confusing between them being 'concerned' or plain 'nosey'. They seem excited to share the juices among the students on who is dating who and passing around judgements and religious interpretations of whatever. If this was a world of "tell it to my face" boy, the millions of things I would say.
I received a chained text in my whatsapp from a colleague about the "couple trends" among my students. Honestly, I don't think it's any of our concern being an educator. But then I know I can't win this case when they all attack me with religious stuff and the "fact(?)" that educators are supposed educate the students EVERYTHING. Including the law of "Thy shall not be in a relationship before marriage..."
Oh what a useless issue to ponder on!!! It's unnecessary and unimportant. I am here just to vent about how much time is being wasted by lecturers overthinking about this. So what if they want to date at that age? SO WHAT if they get broken-hearted and affect their grades. They are grown ups I think it's their decision to make. And if they make mistakes, we guide them, not punish them with words like "Haha. I told you so."
I love to give advice to my students, based on my experience and knowledge. I share with them stories of how I am where I am and I give them opinions on family and relationships. I tell them to take care of themselves before others and I tell them it's alright to love, but respect comes first. You can't go around telling students not to have a boyfriend/girlfriend at the age of 18+. What? You want them to waste their youth and end up with Mr Ugly or Smelly because they don't have a choice like you didn't? Gosh, people... Let them create their own version of How I met Your Mother. Our job? Sit back, think about ways to lecture them on the subject we are responsible for and mind our own business and slip in an advice or two.
It's hard thinking differently in a world of conservative people. I find myself continuously disagreeing with so many. Maybe it's the western influence, I don't know. But what I do know is the world is evolving and we can't always expect everyone to think the way we think, and believe the things we believe.
As for the students... Oh grow up. You are not 12 anymore. With all the suicidal threats, acting emo and looking goth of being dumped... It's time to put your act together and shape up your future. Sure heartbreaks can be tough but nobody is worth jeopardizing your grades for. If you think you're adult enough to be in a relationship in the first place, then you should be adult enough to handle whatever comes from it.
Cheers!
-Anne-
