by Ray Armstrong
Here I was, two years into retirement, staring at the wall and contemplating the meaning of life or what’s in the fridge. Slowly I came to the conclusion there may be some serious problems with our youth. Indeed, I started to think we may be facing a silent epidemic among our teens. Anxiety and depression levels in our kids are skyrocketing, making zombie movies look like documentaries.
Despite having every gadget, psychologist, and career advisor known to humankind, high school students are still drowning in stress. A recent survey revealed that 80 per cent of Year 12 students list stress and anxiety as their main concerns. Or is gaming the antidote, as it can stop one overthinking anything for a very long time?
So, I began looking further into this crisis. Why are our Millennials and Zoomers struggling? A federal minister recently announced that 90 per cent of jobs in the next decade will require a skilled qualification or uni’ degree. I could hear the collective groan of parents everywhere — who knew that ‘passed Year 12’ would become a serious résumé liability? Now more than ever, both parents are working themselves into the ground while teachers are fleeing the profession to drive Haulpacks.
I’ve had my own colourful life, and if you ask my daughter, she’ll tell you she’s surprised I actually survived all my adventures. Stalked by a tiger in Sumatra, survived a near-drowning in Kashmir and even begged for change on the streets of Italy. Through all this chaos, I learned a few critical life skills. Like, you are not a prisoner of your past, any of us can create a new future. And no matter what catastrophe eventuates: this too shall pass.
Upon returning to civilisation having picked up a few survival and life skills, I learned those of us who share value-based concepts can turn average folk into high achievers. I found myself climbing the corporate ladder too, to state management levels. Particularly beneficial was the invaluable skill of never missing an opportunity to just shut up and really listen.
Retiring with all this in mind, I started jotting down ideas to somehow help our youth boost their self-belief and tackle life’s challenges.
Shakespeare said: “be content thy fortune fit, tho’ the rain it raineth every day.” And Nietzsche once quipped: “If you think someone is ruining your life, you’re right—it’s you.”
The way we learn to think can be experienced over time or signposted now.
Hence over the past four years, I’ve been offering free talks at a local school. No catch, no hidden fees, just me sharing lessons learned while trying not to trip over my own feet. Cut through with our kids can be difficult to do, so we interact in groups, present challenges and even play tunes that they’ve never heard before. Meaning A Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Stand by Me could be hitting the charts again!
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with an 84 per cent approval rating from students and teachers alike. One teacher recently shared with me that our impact has been significant and students are taking on the messages like: goals are essential to give my life purpose.
I recall after a talk a few months back, three Year 11 ladies came up and told me: “I ate it!”
Apparently, this means I did a good job, although I’m still unclear if they were complimenting me or just hungry.
My goal? To continue to hopefully arm students with a set of skills that make them higher achievers and service based citizens, with values that are non-negotiable.
So far, more than 100 students have asked for more talks, eager to dive deeper into specific subjects. Now I can almost guarantee a more positive attitude and better outcomes! The cherry on top?
Earlier this year based on the discussions, I published a book through Amazon.com.au, The Universe Loves a Trier, which the school graciously hands out to students at the end of the year. It’s sold nearly 200 copies so far and marketed at a minimum return, but that is not the purpose. From reviews online even Mums and Dads highly recommend it.
You can’t sell a secret so, dear readers of Have a Go News, perhaps you’re interested in acquiring a copy for your own children or grandchildren? Then head to Amazon and buy it online.
