Disrespect and rudeness in teenagers is universal as well!

This post was for Thursday and Friday!!

The last 2 days Meredith, Candice, and I have been at the Secondary school (high school) giving hearing screenings and speech screenings. We found out the first day, while trying to screen “grade 12” (that’s how they say it here), just how universal teenager’s attitudes can be!! I have to start off by saying that when we arrived Mr. John (because we can’t pronounce his first or last name), the “Headmaster” principal told us we couldn’t begin until 10am and we were there at 8:45am. Sara was trying to explain what we needed and how many students to send at a time. He said, “would you like them to come in thirties, twenties, or tenies.” Sara politely replied, “Sending them in tens would be good.” Apparently you must use –ies on all words here!! =) It was quite humorous! Then we had to search for a place to set up. We chose to be in a small outdoor hall next to the cafeteria, which smelled like eggs. The students did not come at 10am, nor did they come at 11am, but about 11:20ish and not by tenies… but by eighties!! Yes, the whole 12th grade came out to us all at once. They all crowded the tables, talked extremely loud, and even when we asked them repeatedly to be quiet for the hearing screenings.. just like typical teenagers.. they just laughed at us and continued to do what they were doing. It was difficult for me to see this because the students at the basic school were so cooperative and respectful. I just expected the same from the older students. Today with the 11th graders; however, went much smoother. We took an extra person, Ms. Marta, and she kept them at a distance from the other students that were testing. They were still able to talk, but it wasn’t distracting or too loud. Today we started on time as well.

Another universal was noted yesterday evening.... the crafty art of flirting!! Some students from BWeave’s class asked her to come watch a soccer (football) game after the class. The Mathematicians had challenged the History and English majors to a game. Some of us went to watch and what an exciting game it was! Before the game began, a striking young man, Fred, (AKA Eddie) asked which one of us was Candice. Then he sat by her and continued to have a conversation. Brittany asked him if he had signed up to be a part of Candice’s research (only to egg on the flirting) and he told us the list was full, but seemed distraught about this. Brittany proceeded to tell him she thought Candice had an opening at 4pm on Sunday. He replied with, “Good, I will be there at that time!” We all laughed as Candice told Brittany she wanted to take a picture of her last day on earth!! Haha!!!

- Jessica Mayes

P.S. Dr. Tullos, the road from Livingston to here is much better than last year, in fact, they have set up a detour because they are trying to fix the road.