Jinked

I was telling Rahsaan how I didn’t feel quite so guilty at having ravenously consumed way too many episodes of Code Lyoko over the last couple days. Did I need time off? Well, maybe and maybe not, but nevertheless I took the time anyhow. I’ve been working hard trying to find experience in everything, no matter how small or how “unproductive” it may be.

Those who know me well also know I have a deeply rooted passion for children and young adult literature. I’m also an avid consumer of media whose target audience is generally children and teens. Why? I’m not really sure. It’s not that I don’t enjoy books and shows that are made for and usually consumed by adults, but there’s something about children’s media that’s always enchanted me. Maybe it’s the fact that within these stories the kids always know more than the adults, that they are the ones open to so-called “crazy beliefs” (like having to fight a rogue AI in a virtual world), and who just so happen to be the ones to save that world. Children and teenagers aren’t as helpless as they may seem. They are often overlooked in many ways, especially when asked for a societal opinion. Children are smart and the message I’m getting is that their intellectual growth, alongside imagination, must always be cultivated, not stunted by adults who can only think, “She’s just a child; she cannot do this. Her opinion doesn’t matter. Don’t even bother to dream.”

It’s why I think I will be a good STEM mentor for Discoveries Unlimited. Children hold the key to unlimited potential. It’s why they fascinate me. It’s why I watched the first two seasons of Code Lyoko in the span of two days. It’s interesting to watch the way children grow, how they become more aware of themselves and the world around them, even in something like an animated program like Code Lyoko. Yes, the CGI is dated. Yes, the story is cliche at times. But nevertheless, it’s compelling. It’s honest, at least to me. I know I’ve felt the way Jeremie did about Aelita, and I know what it’s like to have been a teenager growing up and falling in love. I know how it feels to be afraid yet somehow fearless, and how you become aware of your own mortality for the very first time. Besides, I like battle-techno music and the rogue AI that is hellbent on destruction.

On a different note, I’ve been writing quite a bit today, mainly new raw material for the fourth issue of Pieces. I spent most of my time at the cafe, soaking up the AC while enjoying a chai tea frappe. I have about five pages written, though it needs to go through some severe editing. At least I got my thoughts out on paper. I hope to do some editing on Sunday, since tomorrow I have a wedding to attend and will most likely spend the night at my parents’ house.

The weekend sure came fast.