intern

So we have an intern in our office and in typical French fashion it's not really clear why he's here and what he's suppose to be doing.  I caught him sleeping at his desk after lunch. 

I had some free time so I asked if he wanted to come with me and discuss a little about what it is that I do. 

Me:  So what's the objective of your internship?
Him:  I need two internships to validate my diploma. 
Me:  Ok, so do you have a personal objective?
Him: [blank stare]  Not really.
Me:  Ok so what have you seen so far?
Him:  I dunno.  Stuff.
Me:  ... [Mind wonders back to a lunch conversation I had with a co worker that spent some time with him.  It's complicated he told me.  He lacks... the basics]

So I started talking about things like sales and marketing and turnover and margin.  His eyes glaze over.

Did I mention he's 15?  I can't remember the last time I interacted with a 15 year old; I think it was in Japan when I taught Japanese kids how to say "banana".

Me:  [Lightbulb]  So do you learn English at school?
Him:   Yes but the level isn't that good.
Me:  Well here's your chance to practice.
Him: [Big nervous smile and even a little giggle a sign of at least a little interest?] Ok.

I'll have to give it to the kid he wasn't afraid to try.  He reminded me of my Japanese students, the bad ones that aren't afraid either unlike their smart counterparts who are afraid, afraid of failure because they don't know it.  The bad students are the ones who know failure so they don't fear it.

Turns out he's a bad student as well and is on a path to learn a professional skill (and not say, higher education).  Sucks when this is determined at the age of 14 and you can tell the "bad" label sticks with him as he brought it up often. Which is a shame as people can change, especially young ones.

Thank you for your time he said at the end in English.  Fearlessness and polite.  He'll be alright.