Predictions (Cycle Paper)

This semester I’m taking this Child Development course. Basically we just study and learn about cognitive thinking of young children and how and why they do things. As part of the class we go the Winnie Units and “observe” the children in our selected class. I go to a second grade class every cycle, and instead of observing, its more like I help the teacher out and working with the students.
Well, over the coarse of this quarter, I’ve come to know and appreciate each student’s unique personality. When I’m in there I’m able to see how the dynamics of the class work. When I watch them, its like I can see exactly what type of person they’ll be in high school. I don’t think people change much. Kids who are nerdy don’t magically transform and become the most popular kid on campus. Girls who are snotty tend to stay that way and the bullies often don’t change much either. So I can predict how these second graders will be in high school.
As I watch the girlie girles chat about their outfits and each other’s hair, while acting ditzy when the boys come around, I can picture them being the popular girls. They are pretty and outgoing. I can see what the boys will be also. The boy who wears the football jerseys everyday, and is loud and cracks jokes is popular among his peers. I can see him joining the football team in years to come.
Now, just as I can see how these seven and eight year olds will turn out in high school, I wonder if teachers can do the same with their students. Can teachers tell who will be the successful ones, who will be the needy ones and who will wind up with an undesirable life?
Going to this classroom every cycle is my favorite part of the course. I love watching these students and learning more about them each time I go. Now, as I said before I don’t think people really change, but it’d be interesting to come back in seven years and see how the kids really do turn out. Will they turn out the way I predicted or is it possible for people to transform themselves?