I went to an awards ceremony last night for a local Christian school. This school gives something called "Mr. (Name of School) Award," and it represents the school's highest honor. It was an award that was voted on by the faculty and students. Last night an 18 year old junior with brown hair and a pleasant face won the award.
After the ceremony there was a reception in the gym. I was one of the first in the gym, and the young man wasn't too far behind. Upon entering, this young man made a bee-line for the rear of the gym and started talking to the janitor. They chatted and cut up like old friends. When they were finished he went to get some food and the janitor went on her way without being greeted by another person.
Later I got a chance to talk to the young man, Matthew is his name, and mentioned the incident. He then launched into a five minute biography of the woman. Then he ended with this:
"Yeah, all the janitors here and at (his place of employ) tell me the same thing, stay in school, get a good education, then you won't have to be a janitor."
If he already knows the names and histories of the janitors, it seems this kid has already learned all he needs to know.
Peace.
Rdr. Peter
After the ceremony there was a reception in the gym. I was one of the first in the gym, and the young man wasn't too far behind. Upon entering, this young man made a bee-line for the rear of the gym and started talking to the janitor. They chatted and cut up like old friends. When they were finished he went to get some food and the janitor went on her way without being greeted by another person.
Later I got a chance to talk to the young man, Matthew is his name, and mentioned the incident. He then launched into a five minute biography of the woman. Then he ended with this:
"Yeah, all the janitors here and at (his place of employ) tell me the same thing, stay in school, get a good education, then you won't have to be a janitor."
If he already knows the names and histories of the janitors, it seems this kid has already learned all he needs to know.
Peace.
Rdr. Peter
Second, the fact that it surprises you just shocks and saddens me. Custodians, or janitors are real people. We have families, which include husbands, wives, children, grand children, nieces, nephews, sibblings, etc. We are only "janitors" for eight hours a day. The rest of the day we join the rest of the world as people. The custodians at most of the schools that I have worked at know the kids more than the rest of the staff do. I go to their baseball, and basketball games, I have been invited to their birthday parties, and graduations. Im sure I am over-reacting but it just puzzles me why people are surprised when kids talk to the custodians. 
