Ra'anan says:

Is that the way it is everywhere? I’m a teacher, is that what I’m teaching? I’ve heard that early determination of a child’s future is the way in Japan. I see those square pegs outside of classrooms when most kids are inside. I always talk to them. I try to engage them between classes. I try to show them compassion, but that’s not your objection. Even w/all the compassion in the world, Talia, you want people to have options of their own personal dreams instead of filling positions that society has told schools to groom for their kinderlach. And what of the kinderlach who were ALLOWED to dream & pursue their dreams? I know some of those kids. They are roadies, actors, shepherds and not able to pay their bills. Are they jaded??? I know a weaver, now in his 60’s. He left his post office job for India, Afghanistan & South America. I remember once his desperation for money to set up a village. 30 yrs later, upon reuniting, he’d forgotten that & was satisfied w/weaving in the countrified mountains of Virginia. Yet…those who’d pursued their dreams were looking back, somewhat longingly, towards those who’d followed their dreamless paths, but were able to pay the bills. The grass is always…