Personal
I got letter in the mail today from the alumni Association of the University of Washington.
Turns out that that the education department is doing a special in depth survey of the 36 students that were placed there as 15 and 16 year olds. This was a special experiment designed to see if it was better to move gifted teens into college, or leave them attending regular high school with additional tutoring. This was the class of 1970, but I got my undergraduate degree in 1969.
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They want to fly me up to Seattle, for three days of interviews. Food and lodging on their dime. This was a traumatic time for me, and I am not sure I want to revisit it in depth. I don't care if it helps science. The original research proved fairly incisively that moving children away from their home is a bad idea. But someone thought it would be a good idea to revisit the premise. Listen, throwing a 15 year old into a school of 23 year olds, is crazy making. Fucked me up for years.
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I suppose I could just go and see Seattle again, and be uncooperative. But Seattle has changed so much as to be not recognizable. So no nostalgic value. I haven't decided yet and I have the winter to think about it. I do understand the value of doing longitudinal studies. But I really don't believe they're gonna come up with different results. Educating gifted children is not a one size fits all proposition. And socialization, or lack of it, have more effect on long-term outcomes.
eof
@corlin thank you for sharing some more of yourself wrt this. Though I’ve gathered some here along the years, my heart truly grieves for you, that experience and for what the invitation has stirred up. I also believe you’ve shared enough of yourself here to have confidence you will make the right decision, for you.
Also, tho not entirely ideas of the same order I’m also reminded of our shared commitment to being of service, “…I am responsible.” Hindsight, 20/20, your wisdom today…
…I believe we must discern for ourselves to what extent we can show up for service to others, as doing so shouldn’t come at the expense of self and the others around us. Ideally rather, helping to create our more solid foundation.
Another question I’d personally be asking, would these researchers be capable of hearing and holding those types of ideas, or the wisdom I’d have to share?
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Experience has taught me more than a few times to not underestimate the ability of people, places, and things from the past to impact my sense of well being, whether it's physical, psychological, or spiritual. After all factors and considerations are weighed, it often boils down to that my overall wellness, the desire to be of service not withstanding, is not negotiable.
Thank you both for your honesty and candor. Much admiration and respect, always.