Why…well…not why…Y, yes Y, it’s a chromosome, the Y chromosome. It’s weird as far as chromosomes go and it’s the thing that makes males male. For the uninitiated all humans have 46 chromosomes, they are the genetic material that we inherit from our parents (23 from mum and 23 from dad) and they contain the information that’s make us human.
To be an assigned female you need two X — because they’re shaped like an X — chromosomes. If you’re an assigned male on the other hand, you get an X chromosome from mum and a Y — because its shaped like a Y — chromosome from dad. Which means XX is female and XY is male.
We’ve known for about 60 years that these specialised chromosomes determine birth sex in humans. The reality is, as with all things genetic, it’s not that simple, but for now, the abridged binary version will have to do.
The Y chromosome is small and odd. There are only 27 genes on it, positively tiny compared to the 1000 found on the X chromosome. It’s a DNA junk yard with lots of repeated, inverted and dead sequence consisting of multiple versions of the same gene, accidentally back to front genes and lots of left-over virus genes that are there but don’t do anything. The one important bit is called the SRY, a creative initialism that stands for sex determining region Y gene. This is the bit that starts the developmental journey towards maleness.
Even though the Y chromosome is a veritable information desert, the basic genetic plan is solid. We have boys, adolescent males in all their glory and who exhibit the many characteristics that go along with being young men. Researchers have shown that there are biological differences between boys and girls that can affect behaviour in childhood. Additionally, other experts have shown that cultural expectations shape and encourage certain behaviours in boys. Competition and risk taking are often assigned to boys while girls are encouraged different in areas of expertise, such as cooperation and nurturing.
Early childhood development literature tells us, however, that all children’s brains are plastic and exquisitely sensitive to their environments. Stable, consistent and nurturing guidance, especially in the early years, is vital for all children, XX, XY, to give them the best possible foundation for a fruitful life ahead.
No doubt the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is known to many. The proverb is attributed to African cultures and while there has been research there’s no single attribution. It embodies the spirit of several African peoples. In East Africa they say “Omwana takulila nju emoi”, “A child does not grow up only in a single home.” While in West Africa the saying goes “Omwana taba womoi,” “A child belongs not to one parent or home.”
On Thursday evening here on the Hill we celebrated Dads and Lads, a time for our young men to interact with significant male role models in their lives, dads or stepdads or grandads. In an evening of enthusiastic competition and questionable point giving relationships are strengthened and bonds cemented.
For Dads and mums and friends, caregivers and teachers and role models in general, there are a few rules to maximise young people’s development as balanced and well-adjusted individuals.
- Encourage them to explore and pursue their passions
- Listen to their opinions and stories without judging
- Provide insight when asked/needed
- Remind them that they are not alone
- Help them explore their future options
- Teach and model social skills, coping skills, self-care, gratitude, and more
- Keep judgment and negativity out of conversations
- Encourage vulnerability and healthy emotional practices
Here on the Hill all you need do is take a good look around and it’s obvious that “Y” (not “why”) determines much of what we do. Nevertheless, at Eddies the importance of community can’t be underestimated. We are the Eddies Team, this is our “village”, each one of us provides their input into creating an environment where our young men can succeed. We guide them and support them, each in our own way. We will help find their way through the challenging (for all of us) years of adolescence so they can develop to their full potential, eventually to leave the “village” and be independent of us.
Future Pathways
The College’s Future Pathways Program pairs Year 11 students with external mentors. The aim is to explore a profession of choice through the eyes of someone who lives it every day. In this, our young men are exposed to excellent role models who can guide them and allow them to develop skills that will be useful beyond school.
Each Year 11 involved must present his learnings with a focus on their mentor’s professional journey and the nature of their specific profession. All the while enhancing their transferable skills and linking what they have learned to our College Touchstones.
After initial judging over the past few weeks, on Monday evening each of our young men displayed what they have learned. The three finalists presented eloquently and professionally to a gathered group of parents, caregivers, mentors and special guests.
Congratulations to the following young men for excellent work.
First Prize
Harry Winrow presenting on Graphic Design - Thank you to Harry’s mentor and Eddies Old boy Mr James Muller
Second Prize
Jared Lauron presenting on Cyber Security - Thank you to Jared’s mentor and UniSQ faculty member Professor Neil Curtis
Third Prize
Connor Doherty presenting on Civil Engineering - Thank you to Connor’s mentor Mr Daniel Chaille
Special thanks to all the mentors who give freely of their time, generously sharing their knowledge and skills. Much thanks also to UniSQ, for their continued partnership with us in this valued program.
