“What we now conceptualize in our current ecosystem as mental illness, would be advantageous in another ecosystem or another time.”
-Dr. Anna Lembke
It’s a thought that might have gone through your mind: was I meant to live in a different time? TV shows and books can romanticize the concept- time travel like in “Outlander,” or reviving the ideas around the old west. Of course you would have met with a different experience in life, but would it have suited you better?
In an episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, the researcher Dr. Anna Lembke talked about the concept of traits and timing. As the quote above addresses, the idea fits in with a perspective we might have about our students (and even ourselves). What traits that a student shows now might not fit for a traditional classroom, but could make for a successful adult.
The student who hyperfocuses on characters from shows or books- this student becomes an afficionado who writes deeply about literature or movies or TV shows.
The student with a predilection toward math concepts (even though they have more trouble with handwriting or social studies ideas) is able to lock in for accounting or being the business end of an entrepreneurial venture.
The student who shows empathy to peers within the building- this student becomes a successful therapist who can connect with people from different walks of life.
These traits might stand out because they don’t fit now- why is this student not more balanced? Why does this student keep reaching out to others when they have been hurt or teased?
As educators, we want to foster skills in our students. We also want to help students feel safe and part of the community. But we are also surprised with what skills are represented, and how they affect the student on a daily basis.
What doesn’t show itself to be a strength right now doesn’t mean it can’t be a strength later on. Let’s keep our eyes on the horizon for all of our students. We can foster good students and successful adults.
