I had a conversation tonight with my middle school students. It was really eye-opening. I’ve probably mentioned in the past how much these kids go to school here. It’s hours and hours each day. And not just the public school; most also go to private schools after they finish the day of public school. English school, math school, art school, piano school – their days are filled with learning. They don’t seem to hate it, as I’m sure American kids would, only because they are raised with this model. American kids would rebel only because they’ve not experienced it all their lives.

But, I digress.

The real surprise this evening was a short discussion about middle school activities. There are none. I said it was a short discussion. And they don’t seem to miss not having the things American kids take for granted. Inter mural sports, for example, don’t happen. I dallied in track in field when I was in middle school and loved getting out and running with the boys. My own daughters were involved in Choir. Doesn’t happen here. My youngest was even a cheerleader. With no sports, there’s nothing to cheer. If there’s nothing to cheer, there’s no pep rallies. As far as I can tell, even high schools don’t compete with each other.

Sure, there’s sports and singing and things, but none of them are associated with the public schools. They all just go their separate little ways to piano class or taekwando class and have none of the class camaraderie I remember having. No school spirit. No school rivalries. No Friday morning loud speaker announcements to remind of us the game that evening.  And, without all of that – there are no fundraisers. No one tries to sell me a candy bar or some overpriced Christmas candy to support their school function. I haven’t even seen a girl scout cookie.

I guess I never realized just how different things are. Is it better? I don’t know. Just different. I think its interesting reflecting on the things I had as a boy and contrasting it to these kids, who are as happy as any others I’ve seen.