School and the gradual individual

We are taught to be individuals. Everywhere you go you see it. “Be yourself.” “Go your own way.” “Follow your heart.” Even fast food tells us to “Do what tastes right.” From the first day of preschool, we begin to learn to be individuals. Take Johnny and Kendra for example. Johnny and Kendra go to preschool. They are taught the same things, do the same crafts, and play with the same kids. Nothing separates them from anyone else in the class, not even their gender. Early elementary school starts and Johnny and Kendra begin to differentiate. Johnny starts hanging out with boys and starts to gain an interest in playing sports. Kendra starts playing with mainly girls and they enjoy dressing up and playing jump rope. Neither Kendra nor Johnny talks to each other anymore because they think that each other are “gross.” Late elementary school brings a few changes. These are simple steps in individual development: picking out their own clothes, packing their own lunches, etc. Once middle school starts, things begin to change. Kids begin to develop at different rates both mentally and physically. Johnny and Kendra begin to start talking again, but for different reasons. Kids begin to pick out their own friends and make decisions on their own. High school brings the individual more options to express himself/herself. They are able to make their own decisions, pick their own friends and classes, and make some life changing decisions. College is where the first real freedom of change happens. Kids are finally released from parental discretion and make decisions for themselves that will affect their lives. It is even encouraged by the college professors.