I saw an elementary school aged girl sitting by herself at lunch today in crowd of kids that was clearly on a field trip. It made me start to reflect on adolescence and some of the more unpleasant parts of it. Specifically, I reflected on the unpleasantness of gym class.
I always hated the part where the teacher would choose some uber-athlete as the team captain. Then the newly anointed would then choose his or her team. I don’t recall ever being dead last, but I was way down the list (like second from last).
I ran track in 7th and 8th grades and the track coach was also the gym teacher. Once he got to know me better, he actually picked me a couple of times to be one of the team captains. I remember feeling very special those days.
I think I am going to quit my job and go back to school to become a gym teacher. Considering that I am pretty out of shape and generally not a good athlete, this is a pretty far fetched idea.* But, I think I could make a difference in middle schoolers lives. 
I would emphasize that gym class is a chance for everyone to participate and jocks jumping in front of klutzes to hit the volleyball would be strictly disallowed. I would try to help everyone find a sport or activity that they genuinely excel at and enjoy. And, of course, everyone would have the chance to be team captain.
*My husband laughed until I hit him when I told him my plan. He thinks that the fact I hate exercise should be a clue that this might not the best idea I have ever had. Oh well, one can dream!
