Auditioning the Future

It is a big day for Smallsteps.

And her parents.

But while it seems important today, will it matter in twenty years from now? It is hard to say. Our childhood shapes us and its events can impact on the way we think and operate for our entire lives, with many spending huge amounts of time and energy trying to unlearn the lessons or come to terms with what has come to pass. And school plays a large role in our lives, because that is where we learn so much about the world, and how our human behaviours interact with it. And while parents might not want to admit it, peers have more influence on a child's future than anyone else.

Smallsteps is applying for a new school.

There aren't really private schools in Finland and most are just general for everyone, but there are schools that focus on different fields of study. Smallsteps is applying to one that has more focus on music, and has to audition for a very limited number of spaces. But rather than showing any talent for music through an instrument, they have to sing, which isn't her greatest strength. She is getting better though.

The reason we would like her to go there, is because she likes school. She likes math and reading, she likes the language classes, she likes music lessons - she likes learning in general. The problem is, she is in a minority and increasingly, the teachers are spending the time with the majority of students who don't want to be there. And this is for eight year olds - it is only going to get worse, as the children get worse. And she isn't even in the worst of the classes, as in others, kids have to wear earmuffs, because the children are so loud and uncontrolled. This is different at the other school, because the kids are varied in interest and talents, but are more like her, wanting to improve.

It isn't the end of the world if she doesn't get in and it is far more convenient for her and us if she stays where she is, but I am glad that she is willing to try. And, I don't think she will be that disappointed if she doesn't get in, but enough to also know what it is like to miss out on something that she wants, even though she is nervous at the prospect of changing schools. But, perhaps more importantly at this point, is that I want her to know that her parents back her progress, and will support her along the way, win or lose.

I didn't have this as a child.

And I believe it is one of the things that has impacted heavily on me as I have grown. There are some good sides to it, like I am largely independent and self-reliant. But there are bad sides, like a scarcity mindset and an inability to ask for help, even when I need it. And, the list of the negatives is longer than the positives, but we needn't go into those now.

I think that the future is going to be increasingly shitty for most people, regardless of their upbringing, or where they went to school - or which country. Yes, there will be variation, but I believe that it will be overall degradation for a while at least. Technology is increasing, while opportunity is decreasing in so many ways, and the future of earning is shifting into unclear directions. People are probably going to have to embrace continual learning and change across a number of domains, and get used to being uncomfortable - which is something many aren't able to do now.

What is a good life in the future? I don't know. I don't even know what a good life is in the present. But, the opportunity to improve seems to be like a rewarding experience, and I don't think Smallsteps should be held back, because the majority of other children in her class don't want to be there. She will meet many of these types of kids later in life too, and I wonder if there will be a difference between, or it just no longer matters.

I hope she gets in, but I also won't be disappointed if she doesn't.

There are always pros and cons, and a host of opportunity-cost decisions to be made. Some will be the right decision, some will not be, but we have to live with the life we have, and make the most of what we have. Smallsteps is really loving the music angle and she has talent for it, so it would be great to see if she would flourish further if given a bit more opportunity and support that we can't provide her at home.

No big deal.

Taraz
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