The summer of my 7th grade year, I attended journalism camp at a university. The curriculum was structured in such a way that once we were done with morning classes and planned activities, we were given freedom to roam campus, find inspiration and write. That was our homework every evening.
Some kids kicked around a hacky sack until curfew while others conducted interviews with staff. I could usually be found with a group of kids carrying composition notebooks and roaming campus like a gang of little TMZ reporters looking for a story. We would meet in class every morning to share our essays, get feedback and learn new writing techniques. Our teachers encouraged us, our chaperones trusted us, and everyone in our world treated us like miniature adults.
This means of interacting with adults made me feel empowered and confident. I wanted to perform well, not out of fear, but out of respect for myself and the adults around me. As much freedom as was given to our group of middle school kids, we never once took advantage of it. We took pride in proving ourselves worthy of the trust afforded us.That was an early and impactful lesson for me on the power of respect.
It has been my experience that people usually live up (or down) to the expectations imposed upon them.
When someone respects you, it inspires reciprocation. It shows in the way they look at you. You can hear it in their tone of voice. I’ve watched this dynamic play out countless times in numerous ways. I’ve seen hardened gang members earn Ivy League degrees under the tutelage of caring mentors, and witnessed poor performing employees thrive under the leadership of managers who trust them and treat them with respect. Feeling valued brings out the best in us and extending respect empowers us all.
The transition into adulthood isn’t an easy one. Navigating relationships, managing workplace politics, hitting those milestones on schedule— don’t be fooled, no one knows what they’re doing. There will be all kinds of fumbles, blunders and awkward missteps along the way. If you’re constantly wondering to yourself, “Am I doing this right?” Welcome. This is just the place for you.
