Those Crazy Kids

 I have to admit it – I have definitely gotten old.  I look at teenagers these days and find myself making the same comments that my grandmother made about my generation when I was a kid.  I can’t help but scratch my head and wonder if I am just an old fogey or whether it is truly in poor taste that guys wear their pants low enough for me to admire their striped boxer shorts. When I was a kid, if I wanted to share the details of my latest crush, I would huddle in the school yard with hoards of giggling girls, not text blast my entire address book.  Communication technology in MY youth consisted of a long string with a cup on each end. Yet today, kids have more friendships with people they have only met through an instant message box on a computer screen.

 

So while I am ashamed to admit it, these are the slightly jaded views I have had of today’s youth – that was until I was given an amazing reality check when visiting a high school in the small town of Woodland Park, Colorado where the student body came together to make a difference for children with cancer. 

 

Knowing I would be in Colorado, St Baldrick’s set up a special stop for a token head shaving event where the assistant principal and a few students of a local school would be shaving their heads.  Unfortunately, our travel plans changed, and Colorado had to fall from the SuRVivor Tour schedule.  Regardless, with that being said, I made the 12 hour trip – each way – anyways.  Please do not mistake my sharing this as a means of receiving a pat on the back for my “extraordinary dedication to the cause”.  I say this in order to emphasis the stunning events that transpired, motivating such a drive.

 

While I may not understand and appreciate the fashions of today’s teens, how one looks in high school is equally as important as it was when I was in school. Needless to say, peer pressure to conform has never gone out of style.  That is why I was so stunned when I heard about a few high school gals who had volunteered to shave their heads in support of some young children undergoing treatment.  To be female and bald is quite a commitment, as I have learned first hand. However, to be a female teen in high school and bald, where appearance is of great consequence, is hard for me to even comprehend.  This news was enough to bring tears to my eyes and goose bumps to my arms. But I wasn’t prepared for what I had heard next. 

 

What was so amazing is that these women chose to shave their heads, despite the fact that the St. Baldrick’s event was being held the DAY BEFORE PROM!  I know I could continue on for pages about what an amazingly selfless act this was.  But any gal who has ever attended prom, needs no words to profoundly understand the magnitude of this sacrifice.  A 12 hour drive to meet these angels seemed hardly a stretch.

 

I was beginning to feel a bit hopeful that there were at least a couple of today’s teens who had my old fashioned views about community involvement.  But once again, I was not prepared when my view of the modern day teen was completely obliterated.

 

The Woodland Park High School event, which was intended to be a token event, took on a life of its own when over 50 young men and women stepped out of the mold of tradition to make a bold statement.  Not one week before graduation, 6 gals, 10 teachers, and countless young men, some who had not seen a hair cut in 3+ years, showed that the youth of today is all about ensuring the health and welfare of our youth for tomorrow.  Mia copa for ever doubting you all and thank you for the much needed reality check.

 

 

To all the incredible shavees, shavers, volunteers and supporters, please know that it was truly an honor to be a part of this event.  I look forward to the 12 hour drive, once again, next year!

 

A special note to Kati:  You are such an amazing inspiration. You have, no doubt, planted a seed that will make an extraordinary impact.  You are truly an angel!  Congratulations on graduation and continue making a difference.

 

To Katie’s Family:  Thank you for taking me in and making a complete stranger feel like an old friend!