She said what?

Rare is the student that I do not find some facet about them that is entertaining, admirable, satisfying, or simply downright cute.  The student that inspired this post, however, is over the moon adorable in all ways.  She often talks with me before or after class about various topics, her academic focus is strong, and - possibly the best feature:  her sense of humor out-randoms mine (difficult for me to admit).  So if the Physics Gods could flash her forward a 'number' of years or jolt me back a 'number' of years, myself and this gal would be great pals.  In a recent conversation she had with me over her school Styrofoam square of breakfast* she offhandedly mentioned that she was going in for an updated eye examination soon.  She's noticed that I sometimes wear spectacles - to avoid becoming a spectacle myself - as I'm nearsighted.  We discussed glasses versus contacts for a few moments and she commented that her Mom would prefer that she wear contacts because, according to Mom, "I'm prettier without my glasses on my face."  Let me rephrase that in case you did not quite catch the translation; her Mom does not think she is as pretty with glasses.

Never one to assume too quickly, I must take into account that I have never been a mosquito in the yard while Mom stated the comment that the student heard.  Or, in what context it was mentioned.  Nevertheless, it saddened me.  I know from my conversations with this student that she has done print modeling as a young (er) child and may continue that into her teen years.  She even appeared on an episode of Barney!  Perhaps, then, the eyeglass comment from Mom was derived in some <hopefully harmless> stage-Mom foundation.  Hrm.  I'm skeptical, but all I could do was lavish on praise for not only how beautiful she is, with or without glasses, but point out that inner beauty is the ultimate basis for outer beauty.

The conversation reminded me of, ironically enough, of "The Conversation" sparked by recent media attention unfairly placed upon Ashley Judd.  If you haven't read the article she penned as a result, it's a goody.  I'm a fan of Judd for many reasons, and her plucky spirit shines right through her response: Take that, media!

*If one must partake of school cafetorium food, breakfast is your safest adventure.  Perk:  chocolate milk has not been outlawed yet, either.