At the risk of offending some, I would like to discuss the Ottawa teachers' strike

Obviously, as a Seneca student, I was not personally affected. Still, I am nagged by some level of anger and resentment towards those responsible particularly since I can't help wonder how I would have felt if my personal goals and dreams had been crushed by "fixable" circumstances totally beyond my control. I also doubt that I could have responded with the level of class or dignity demonstrated by Ottawa students as they watched their opportunities fade, never to be recovered. Perhaps my need to rehash this old news is the result of my having counted my blessings in October, when I had the opportunity to compete at the state golf meet.

Needless to say, I am most sympathetic with the Ottawa golfers who did not get the chance to play this season. They worked just as long and as hard as I did, but could only watch as their chances got lost in the fescue of the strike. I feel for others that were affected as well. The award-winning choir — unfairly silenced — did not get a chance to sing. The football players lost their chance to shine in the Friday night lights. And while these groups are most noticeable, I also think about the average or struggling student who needed every minute of classroom time to keep the learning momentum going.

As with any situation that we cannot control, the question always is "why?" I think back to when I was little and adults caused "bad" things to happen. I would ask my parents about it and they would patiently explain that while people may be "adults" they don't always know bette

The Ottawa strike is an example of this. On one hand, the school board members chose to give of their time and efforts to serve, I am sure ,to make things better for students. The same is true of the teachers who entered their profession because they care about the students. Each side would probably tell you that while there is good and bad, overall they love what they do, and wouldn't have it any other way and genuinely care about students. So still wondering — how could this have happened?

I know the reasons, and answers are complex. Yet I hope that perhaps some other adults could find a way to avoid these circumstances in the future. From what I have seen, strikes rarely help anyone and the feelings of hurt continue long after people settle their differences. Life goes on, and we can all ask "what if," but it won't change.

• SARAH SUPERGAN is a senior at Seneca High School. She is on the golf team and hopes someday to work in the golfing industry. All teens are invited to share their opinions or respond to this column. Send via e-mail to newsroom@mywebtimes.com.