Roland Bottino: I Survived! The NYC Public School System
# Remembering the Freedom of Youth in NYC
> A nostalgic conversation about growing up in the city and its lost freedoms.
Roland and Travis reminisce about their childhood experiences growing up in New York City, touching on the unique freedoms they enjoyed and the vibrant community life that seems lost today.
## The Passage of Time
"It went really quick. It really did." Reflecting on their shared past, Roland and Travis acknowledge how quickly time has flown since their days at Wagner Junior High School. As they discuss their childhood, they remind us all to cherish the fleeting moments of youth.
## The Grind of Teaching
Travis points out that despite the perception of teachers having summers off, the reality is often a grind. Roland, who retired from teaching, agrees, sharing how the job can wear you down, yet there's a thrill in the energy of the classroom.
> "I feel like I'm back as a teacher, but I don't have to go in... There really is an energy what you say about a grind."
## Adventures and Choices
Both men reflect on their youthful indiscretions and adventures, revealing how their early experiences shaped them. Roland mentions his time in the army as a transformative period.
> "A lot of experiences... when you're a hellraiser, you put yourself in bad situations. You have a lot of stories to tell."
## A New Generation's Reality
As they compare their upbringing with that of today's youth, they lament the loss of freedom and the impact of technology. "Young people today don’t know the freedoms that we enjoyed. It’s lost on them," Travis asserts, highlighting how the digital age has altered social interactions.
## Nostalgia for Nightlife
They also express nostalgia for the vibrant nightlife of their youth, recalling how the city was filled with clubs and social venues where people dressed to impress and engaged with one another.
> "Even if you were dressing down, you cared how you looked. Today, you go to New York City, all those places are gone."
## Reflection
In their warm exchange, Roland and Travis not only celebrate their shared history but also reflect on what has been lost in today's world. Their conversation serves as a reminder of the value of genuine connection and the simple joys of youth that seem to fade away with time.
To hear more about their stories and insights, listen to the full episode.
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