Field Experience Observation 3:

U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama 

             I observed a group of 5 African American adolescent girls, ages 11-13, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.  This group was chaperoned by two female African American adults.  The adolescents seemed to be embarrassed at times that the adults were leading them around as though they couldn’t figure things out for themselves. At other times they seemed thankful that the adults were around. For example, when there was an inclement weather advisory that forced everyone to stay in the museum until all was clear--approximately 15 minutes. (Brighton points out that Independence vs. security is an emotional issue adolescents deal with. They want to appear independent but secretly yearn for adult protection (p.59)).

            The group of girls all dressed differently, yet 4 out of the 5 wore a braid hair style. The other wore ponytails. The adolescents seemed to know each other well and were quite comical. I often heard little jokes amongst them. Each had a nickname for the other. It was cute to hear one of them who was being attacked about their name defend herself. Her nickname was M.I.L.K. she explained to them that it wasn’t like “Got Milk” but that her name stood for Most Incredible Little Kid. That was too cute and very creative. (Brighton points out that adolescents are often creative but pressure to fit in, ridicule, and intolerance are obstacles in their creative process.)  I couldn’t help but laugh inside at her response and I was proud that she exuded confidence as she set them straight. The other adolescents all agreed that it was cool and they changed the subject.

            They all talked about the hottest new artists and who they thought looked the best, rapped, the best, or dressed the best. They continued to talk amongst themselves as they waited in line to ride the Mars Simulator. Only 9 people were allowed to ride at one time. As it happened, when it was their turn, the group was told they would have to split up because there were already 6 people on the ride. The girls quickly came together and agreed they would allow the three people behind them go first, so that they could ride together. These adolescents applied some of The Nine C’s of Decision Making---which are choice, comprehension, creative problem-solving, compromise, and consequentiality, correctness of choice, credibility, consistency, and commitment (Brighton, p. 15), in their decision to stick together.  After the ride they held hands and cheered as though they had won an Olympic event.

            Throughout all of these activities I noticed that one of the adolescents was very infatuated with her looks. She continuously pulled out a small mirror to check her hair and lip gloss.  She even refused to walk to the next building because it was raining slightly, and she did not want to get wet. She eventually was jeered enough by her peers to venture out with her jacket over her head. Cooperation is a desirable trait and this adolescent was willing to put aside her own needs to consider the needs of her peers, (Brighton, p.68)