Article September 20, 1993 ISSUE

Making peace with our childhood

Harmful childhood memories aren't inescapable. A perception of our true origin and nature can bring healing.

Jan Johnston

In a career communications class that I teach at a local junior college, an adult student often interrupted the class with shocking, sarcastic statements. The other students reacted with criticism and disgust. Yet, as long as the spotlight remained on him, the disruptive student seemed pleased with himself.

One day during just such an outburst I was suddenly struck with the image of this student as a child, hurt and ignored, desperately pleading for some knowledge of his own value and place in the order of things. After class I pondered the episode. Why was this man, well into his thirties, allowing childish behavior to blind those around him to his good qualities, such as his intelligence? Why was he so willing to endure the disgust and anger of others just for a chance to be in the spotlight?

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