Here at the Academy, as in schools and life- there is a THING that has a clear chasm. Course, when you get perspective, that helps. But, here’s the thing I am looking at now. And that thing is the universal gap between generations. Specifically, the language lag. For example, you say fire, I say call 911. You say cap, I say huh, yes I have a Yankees hat. You say mid, I say where’s the rest of the word? Or geez let’s not see your bare mid-riff. You text EAS, and I think, hmm eat a sandwich? Editor’s note: Twitter has not paid their $8 so we can’t verify EAS as a universal text code for anything.

I am not perfect in my use of the English language. In fact, I was so reluctant to share my writings as a teenager I often avoided my mother’s (remember she was an English teacher!) request to read my assignments. Maybe because I didn’t focus all my energy on it. Or maybe I hadn’t even done it. But mostly because I was sure there was something wrong with it…and she would point it out. And that hurt. ( I know, I know, I am a sensitive guy). But she was right. Always. Because it wasn’t worth submitting unless it was your best effort. I do think that the emphasis on grammar and usage and all those dry conventions made me a better communicator. On a side note, I am sure the other dry conventions…AA meetings made me better too!) Apparently, my immersion in language as a youth has made an impression deeper than the biggest hyperbole I’ve ever employed. And I do love hyperbole. To say and spray. To spice things up. Just a little. Not too much. Everything in moderation you know.
Uh oh, there I go, off the rails of convention again. Yikes, now- where was I?

Back to my point about War and Peace, that is, to understand our students at the Academy and at my day job (does it count as work if you love it?) I have found the key to communication. Obvi, I listen first. After all, the children (*yes teens count as people too) have important things to say and do. And we gotta know what they need or want in order to grow. But, butt, listening is not enough. Nope. You have to construct a bridge over the Language River to complete the connection. Language River can be a toxic mess, or a choppy confusing sight. And there are sharks in the Language River. (No, I am not a marine biologist). But you need a bridge to get over the fact that you say one thing, and I think another. Get it?

So, I started building a bridge. I am starting my bridge with lots of love. I know it sounds mushy and soft, but from what I have observed a little vulnerability goes a long way. You have to expose weaknesses so that you know what to fix. (Sound familiar?) That’s what my first English teacher taught me. Mom said, “If you don’t know what’s wrong, how can you fix it?” The difference here is that communication between generations does not have to be nonexistent. You just have to believe that your bridge of love will communicate the proper feelings behind the words. I mean, isn’t the pen mightier than the sword?

Not looking for a sword fight though. We are just trying to build bridges here. Between the kids and adults. So they can better understand one another. And I would think that if we talk less, listen more, and truly understand the feelings behind the words, the two generations would better see eye to eye. (Why does it always come back to my vision…) And when we do talk more- shouldn’t we filter out the garbage and consider the weight of the words? And the power of the words? But, again- I am not the Boss. Just a guy, trying to acquire a taste for humble pie. And, trying to learn the language of the amazing generation we have produced. No- Ed, it ain’t easy. But I can do it. I know I can.

Next up, I will surely share the sounds of silence as I ask my family to watch the Sound of Music…with me. No, it’s not on Ticky Tocky. At least I don’t think so…

Thanks for Coming!