Paper Cuts

I think I was starting to get through to them though. By Friday I just had to give one look and things would settle down. The swearing was down to a minimum too and at least no one was throwing anything at me.
Don’t get me wrong, there were highlights and parts of the experience that I mourn for (dramatical eh?) and miss. One is when a student gave me his Chicken Soup for the Soul to read. I used it for a class activity and it really went well with the students. Another is getting to them to compose really great persuasive papers. Hearing their innovative excuses for talking in class or not getting work in on time. So much talent and potential in that class and so little incentive and motivation for learning. Granted it is summer, but school seems to be viewed as a negative that is there to hold them down and not to help them up. No respect for the teachers, the material, the books, the room, each other. But then I look around at the classroom and the fans are broken, the computers don’t work, and books from 1986 and I think, “Under these conditions, how can school be cool?”
I came in expecting the situation to be just a certain way. I’ve always thought I’d be a teacher, but now I don’t know. I wanted to touch them all, to help them break through. But I think that is where I started off wrong. Like dad says, “No can be Robin Hood all the time Kimm.”

I am still reflecting on this whole episode.

While I try and figure out how to get a photo onto this web page figure I’ll do a little writing. With Yvonne Elliman playing in the background and Royal Kitchen manapua in my tummy I’ve got this intense feeling of, well yes, lethargy, but also of tranquility. Usually “chaa-shu baaauuu-o”and feel good music does invoke this type of feeling, but I think this afternoon it is mainly due to the fact that I caught the bus from Windward Oahu to Leeward Oahu and back for the first time in ages. I don’t care what anyone says, The Bus is still awesome (but ho’ kind of expensive now huh?) and still getting things done for me. Never thought I’d be catching bus. In fact, after high school I thought it would be all pau, but eh, gotta save money now a days yeah. Leaving the the car home on this one.

I am starting my teaching job next week. Opened up my room for the first time. The janitor was inside waxing the floors. We talked a little. I asked her about the students and her reply was, “Some of ‘dem no good.” Yikes. This morning another colleague told me to make sure none of them fall in love. I guess it is because I look just about their age. So pretty good start. Next week Monday will be the first day and I am not so nervous. More so with dealing with the other teachers and administration than the students. Gotta make sure everyting stay up and up you know? I just want to get through the 5 weeks focusing on positivity and progress. I think I’ll stress this to the students, right after I tell them we are now turning OFF our cell phones, one time, and as a class. No RINGING in my class GONFUNNIT.

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