Eight Seconds

I
The average attention span of “centennials” (those born between 2000-2020) is eight seconds, compared to twelve seconds in 2000.

II
During a rodeo event, a bullrider attempts to stay mounted for eight seconds in order for it to be qualified as a successful ride. The reason for the timing is that after eight seconds the bull loses adrenaline and, along with fatigue, their bucking ability decreases.

III
Recently, I overheard a colleague tell her student teacher that teachers nowadays need to be more interesting than a child’s favorite app.

IV
Mr. Rogers delivered a college commencement speech in 2001, where he said:
“... from the time you were very little, you've had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving.”
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V
As an educator, I’d rather sing someone into singing than win an eight-second ride any day.