Always?
Was I always this way? I can't say for sure, but I have one very specific memory that started a path of curiosity surrounding social-emotional learning. My first year in high school I sat in a lunchroom, the floor made of white tiles, the tables a dark blue color, and the doors a bright red. I was surrounded by people I called friend, and everyone was talking. I raised my volume, trying to get the attention of my friend across the table. She was talking at the same time. Suddenly I stopped speaking as the flash of realization hit. No one was listening. In fact, as I settled back on the bench, I realized that not a single one of my ten friends were listening to each other. What would happen if I stopped talking? I wondered, looking around. Her auburn hair swished as she gestured, the card in his hand moved as he shook it to make a point, her food sat forgotten on her plate as she laughed. My teenager scientist mind was instantly curious, and that day ...