Photo retrieved from Google Image on February 16, 2010
The reason I chose this photo is because in contrast to what our children and adolescents were experiencing in the Chilocco Boarding School is the complete opposite as to what the children in modern schools are experiencing. As I continue and read more about their trials, I gain a new level of respect and honor to those who attended a boarding school. Thier duties and expectations were more of life skills rather than a field trip that a child in today's classroom would experience.
As I continue to read, I am more understanding as to why my parents, elders and extended family members would start their stories like, "Back when i was your age..." It makes more sense now. Before, I along with my siblings; would roll our eyes and sigh. It wasn't a sad sigh or a sympathetic sigh, it was more like the "okay, here we go again" sigh. Having this opportunity to learn the past lives of others and what they have overcome and live to tell introduces a new level of interest and respect for the topic of history for me.
Interesting responses Ro! I know what you mean about "back when." Except I really do believe my father exaggerates just a tad bit. (: Seriously, I respect everything about what our family members experienced.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the contrasts in the experiences of then and now. When reading Chilocco, I sometimes get lost in their era and just want to know so much more. I think of the moments too, when I could have asked a few more questions. Sadly, there are many who experienced the boarding schools that are just not willing to share, respectfully. Thank you for your upbeat post!...:-)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it crazy to think about when we are older, what will we say about our childhood experiences? What will the world and the school system look like in 40 to 50 years? I'm scared to find out!!!
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