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An Era of Shoulder Pads
Recently, a group of students approached me with an intriguing question: "Did you ever wear clothes with shoulder pads?" I looked back with curiosity and wondered where this question came from. "Yes," I answered. "In fact, I still have a few suits that have shoulder pads." They gasped slightly in shock and their eyes were wide. My cheeks were mildly blushed, and I questioned them as to why they asked. The students simply muttered out in their laughter, "You lived in an era when shoulder pads were cool!"
I caught myself for a moment wondering what was so horrible about shoulder pads. I did not know shoulder pads were such a major fashion faux pas. Being around many students, I am sure I am past their perspective of "cool" even though I am only 28. It is hard to come to the realization that time goes on and I am just not as "cool" as I once was. Just for the sake of all readers, this is by no means encouraging anyone to change their wardrobe for their student's approval!
After my conversation with the students, we laughed pretty hard. They were in disbelief that shoulder pads were still in my closet, and I was in denial that shoulder pads were out of style. A few days later when I was thinking about the shoulder- pad story, I remembered a promise I made with one of my cousins. It went something like this: " We will NEVER wear bell-bottom pants!" We were 12 years old, and I remember the exact moment we made the promise. My mom was trying to convince us how cool bell-bottoms were, especially when she was in high school. We just thought her fashion sense was outdated. Fast forward 16 years and I find myself in a similar scenario, only the fashion faux pas is shoulder pads.
The funny thing is, bell-bottom pants came back in style! I am holding out hope shoulder pads will be revived. How can I blame my students for such fun questions when I also have my own inquiries and opinions? When they come to me with questions about shoulder pads, cars, fashion, sports, electronics, matters of faith, and many other interests, I should be ready and willing to listen and not mock.
This holiday season will probably provide some time to visit with your student. Enjoy taking the time to hear what he or she will share about life at school. Each student is so greatly gifted. Also, feel confident in sharing new things you are learning because, just as change is happening in your student's life, I am willing to bet change is happening in your life. You will probably learn a few things from them - and hopefully your student will learn a few things from you .
I absolutely love working with each student as they grow to understand how the Lord has uniquely gifted them. He is preparing them to be active people in our society. I was hired to help teach in the area of student leadership; however, every year I am humbled by how much I learn from each of your students.
Continue to love them well, and you will continue to learn more than you imagined. Maybe, just maybe, shoulder pads will be back in style.
Kristina Findley '01, '04
Associate Dean of Student Leadership
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