Teenage Choices

When I was in Grade 9 my only concern was when my then boyfriend (now ex-husband) was going to come pick me up so we could skip school, go play pool or hang out at his place (well, his parents place, really).  It was the days of fast cars, bad garage bands, and having enough change to buy a slurpee.  We thought we were the coolest people around and oh how we were! Me with my harem pants and jellie shoes, him with is blonde spiked mullet and full blown porno style moustache, and we never could get enough of Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Skid Row and Cinderella.  We smoked cigarettes, hung out at Kildonan Park in his cool blue camaro with the t-top windows pulled out, and thumbed our noses at the park police who drove by with their stern glares.  School?  What was that?

Tonight the child and I were at a parents meeting at his school to discuss the transition from junior high to high school.  We discussed school options - the local high school (with an exceptional academic reputation) or a technical vocational school, and the advantages of each.  I've always been of an open mind either way.  I want what he wants.  The kid is aware of the importance of secondary education and how it is NOT an option.  Whether it be a trade or a profession - he will go to secondary school, period.  He has made his decision and I'm bursting with pride.  He has decided to attend the technical vocational school and aim for a "dual diploma" which means he will be apprentice ready in his chosen field of vocation:  Electrician, while obtaining a University ready high school diploma. He wants to leave all his doors open, and has mentioned maybe going to business school after high school so that he will be ready to start his own business. He wants to be in a good position, he says, for his "family".  (And then a little piece of me inside started crying.  My boy is growing up so fast!)  It's a very mature decision considering some of the sacrifices he will be making (transit vs. walking, spares vs. no spares, etc.), and I'm incredibly proud of him.  He is such a good boy, smart and good looking, funny and empathetic... 

When I was a teenager I considered only the moment.

My son is a teenager and he has considered his future.

If he didn't look like me I would swear he was switched at birth.  This is my son?!