Twenty

Lately I have been - somewhat hesitant and somewhat enthusiastically - being roped into giving English Literature classes. For now there are two Grade 8 girls. They are that age (13 years old) where they are sweet and accommodating and unquestioning - the age where I remember I was a perfect angel. However it is making me wonder if they will go through all those rebellious maddening fits that every girl goes through at 15-16 years of age? will I need to be a little condescending to get them to do something if they continue to study Literature with me? because I know how fast the girls age in this country. One of them in particular is currently doing so much that I am just anticipating her burn out phase. It might happen now or when she goes off to a ivy league like she plans to. 'N' really fascinates me. She does classes with me, goes for badminton and does homework till 12am. Naturally she is the first in her class but I really worry she won't be able to enjoy any off the good things in life. Like in my last class she was saying how every other classmate of hers keeps talking about what a great show Glee is. Unfortunately she isn't allowed to even watch StarWorld. But then being a Muslim parent you really have a limited option. Like all those groups on orkut and facebook - about how 'this gave me unrealistic expectations growing up' – it rings very true. I grew up reading in my most 'influential' years Sweet Valley High and Sweet Dreams (silly romance novels of a country and culture far away). I would have been better off reading Jane Austen but I didn't get introduced to her until much later on.

Its strange how in a few short weeks I am as concerned about them as I would be of my own children. I have seen their dedication though and its no mean feat to master Literature when it isn't your mother tongue. Considering the level of English in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka is way ahead. Nevertheless it is very heartening when they take the effort to understand.

However that is the way life is. The older you get you realize your times were always more simple, the world around was more humane and less perverted and it would have been a much easier time to bring up a child and protect him or her than it would be now. Coincidentally I am hoping both 'N' and 'I' are positively influenced by me like I was by some of my more memorable lecturers.