On Being Green

Both kids are currently wrapping up their True Colors unit at school. Over the past few months they have been learning about themselves - strengths and weaknesses, physical appearance, and the qualities that make them who they are. This is a foundational unit at their school in which kids build an understanding of what it means to be human - how we are all alike and ultimately have the same basic needs, yet how we are all also uniquely individual. From this basic understanding of humanity the kids can then better learn how to be respectful and understanding communicators and active contributors to the school community.

Last week Ashagre brought home a description of his true color - green. I looked up the source for this information and the website comes off too infomercial for me, but like astrology, the uncanny description of my boy - who he is at his core - was also hard to ignore.

People who's true color is green:

Are problem solvers. They diligently work at finding a way to accomplish the task at hand. They have a tremendous amount of tenacity for figuring out solutions and enjoy the challenge.

Have a "why" mentality. They want to know the reasons why things must be done a certain way. "Because we've always done it that way" is not a good reason. They desire to know the logic or theory behind things. They are very philosophical, and interested in the "why" of human behavior. They are inquisitive.

Are very complex. Their thinking is abstract, theoretical, and conceptual. They are global thinkers that look at the big picture. They use systematic approaches to situations or activities, including personal relationships.

Are standard-setters. They are visionary, futurist, idea people. They are insightful and often inventors, technicians, scientists, or engineers. They establish new protocols and systems, especially for technological advances that may influence society as a whole. They are Einsteins and Edisons.

Are cool, calm and collected. They maintain composure in situations where others may become outwardly emotional. They consider expression of feelings (such as crying) as getting in the way of relationships instead of enhancing them. They look at the principles involved in the situation and can work in harmony. They make objective decisions.

Are intellectual. They can never know enough. They are constantly seeking information and enjoy investigating matter further. Many greens have an expansive vocabulary.

Consider work play and play work. They enjoy work so much it may be considered play. They can find socializing taxing unless they are interacting with someone with similar interests. They are often misunderstood as children because of their inclination toward solo activities.

Have a need for independence and private time. They seek autonomy and don't necessarily enjoy or see the value in teamwork. They usually prefer to work alone and work best without constant direction or coaching. They like to be able to try new ways outside of the norm.

Are driven by competence. They are proficient and capable and feel rewarded when a job is well done. They strive for expertise in areas of interest. They find measurable success motivating.

Are perfectionists. They explore all aspects before making a decision and take pride in getting it right the first time and every time.

Are analytical. They are naturally investigative and able to find flaws and inperfections. They are critical thinkers. They do not take things at face value. They are diagnostic, systematic, and good at asking questions that get to the root causes and inner workings of things.

When we traveled to Ethiopia to pick up the kids last January we had the privilege to meet some of Ashagre's relatives. Among other things, we asked them what he was like as a younger boy. We were told that he could entertain himself for hours trying to figure out how things worked. That he was smart and inquisitive and had a pretty strong stubborn streak. Those that knew him best shared with us a tiny piece of the boy that we are still getting to know today. Reading over this list and thinking about Ashagre learning to ride a bike, explaining to me the steps necessary to make a friend, asking an uncountable number of daily questions about how things work and why things are the way they are, and delighting in his nightly homework makes me think that if his relatives read over this list of green characteristics they, too, might just have to give this True Colors stuff a little bit of credit.