I spent a good part of Wednesday morning visiting with the teacher who really set me off on writing, who showed me how to develop my voice.

At the end of the class (she teaches AP English Language and Composition, an 11th grade course), she asked me to share some tips with the newest batch of students, to give them some suggestions as to how they could succeed and become better readers and writers.  I certainly have no objections to making thinly-veiled speeches about myself, impromptu or not, so I obliged.

“Read, read, and never stop reading,” was my first suggestion, followed by “write, write, and write some more.”  What I encouraged the most, however, was for the students to step outside of their comfort zone — to find books, articles, and blogs dealing with topics they knew nothing about and self-educate to their hearts’ content.  It’s easy, after all, to read a lot about topics one is truly passionate about, but to learn something completely new and out of the box can be far more rewarding.

The general response, less than enthusiastic, distressed me.  The students, bright enough to sign up for a GPA-boosting class that looks good on transcripts, have of course been told to read since they were in Kindergarden… and if anything, were hoping for some secret which guaranteed them an ‘A’ and automatic admission to college.  The most realistic ones already know no such secret exists, and most have elected to withdraw into a bitter shell of cynicism.  And I can relate — that’s what helped me survive high school.

I joke about my ego, but my delusions of grandeur are not so great that I was offended by the nonchalance of the students.  And one girl, in fact, did approach me and ask me for book suggestions – a much appreciated gesture, though I hope she will eventually follow my advice of tailoring reading to one’s personal interests and experiences.

No, what bothered me the most was the reaction of so many students when I mentioned what college I will be attending in the fall.  They perked up, much more interested in my GPA, SAT scores, scholarship offerings… so-called “measurable” indications of success, than the passion for learning which got me through – and out of – high school.