As a teacher, I’ve chosen to teach both sixth, eleventh, and twelfth grades, a deliberate decision rooted in understanding the delicate nature of adolescent development. Sixth grade represents a unique, precious moment of human potential—a time of unbridled authenticity that, sadly, often diminishes too quickly.

In sixth grade, students embody a remarkable spirit. They are joyful, unafraid to be themselves, and genuinely supportive of their peers. Their kindness is pure, and their achievements are celebrated without self-consciousness. When I enter the classroom, I’m greeted by eager faces, students ready to engage, experiment, and explore.

These young learners approach learning enthusiastically, attempting to speak Spanish, asking questions, and expressing themselves freely. But something shifts around seventh grade. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, they begin constructing emotional barriers. The fear of appearing foolish takes root, and they start to modify their behavior, losing touch with their authentic selves.

It’s a profound transformation that resonates beyond the classroom. As my friend and I discussed, this loss of genuine self becomes a lifelong pursuit—we spend years trying to recapture the freedom and unselfconsciousness we once naturally possessed.