Greetings!
As of now, the cockroach count in our condo is 3 and counting. As the four of us snuggled up for a quiet evening of "Wild Things", it wasn't the plot twists that freaked us out so much as the reddish-black, dazzlingly quick creature crawling up the curtain in the background. We were visited again by a friend in the shower last night. Running to the rescue, I was handed a shot glass and a magazine with which to catch and release the demon. As I blew air in an attempt to stir the roach from the cozy crevice it was inhabiting, I failed to hang onto the glass. Unfortunately, the small glass slipped from my hand, only to shatter on the shower bottom beneath it...perhaps one of the worst places for broken glass. Thankfully, my roommates were not filled with ill will after this occurrence, likely due to my willingness to confront the intruding bug and my sincere and repeated apologies for my failed actions. Needless to say, the cockroach got away and we were out one bug catching glass.
In other news, after a great adventure we now have a furnished living room! One roommate and I drove to a local Lowe's yesterday to rent a truck and worked our way around Charlotte picking up a fantastic couch. After an air condition-less ride that pushed my navigational skills to a near perilous end, we arrived at our next pick-up point. A third roommate awaited us at Salvation Army with a coffee table and another couch. She was quite happy to see us pull up, as she had been sitting in the 90 degree heat being eaten alive by mosquitoes for an hour. Once home, we enlisted the aid of a couple of strong fellows who took on our stairs with the heavy couch. After many a grunt, heavy breath, minor hand and wrist injury and curse word, the guys had successfully ascended our staircase with the couch. I have never appreciated a place to sit more than last night. Pillows on the floor are great...but really, flopping down on a comfy couch after a long day will be a far greater reward - especially considering our great efforts that allowed it to rest in the room.
This weekend will involve more online training and unit planning. It will be a long weekend, but it will likely ensure a stronger beginning to the school year.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Bad Plumbing and the Po-Po
We have officially moved into the condo!...and I will never...ever rent or buy a condo again. Some words of caution to those signing a lease soon:
1) Make sure you are the only ones who have keys to the place, or at least know all parties that have a key.
2) Ensure that your landlord upholds the darn agreement from the beginning!
A few days ago, we had moved into a nicely renovated condo with two bathrooms and 2 kitchens...little did we know that one bathroom was off limits because the drains were leaking into our downstairs neighbor's ceiling and the electricity in one kitchen didn't work...pretty sweet. One afternoon we came home to a note on a bathroom mirror reading, "DON'T USE SINK OR SHOWER! --Your downstairs neighbor." I mean really? At least get rid of the caps Jeanie. And how freaking impersonal. And she has a key to our place?! Apparently the condo owner and Jeanie have a history of bad blood between them. That night our landlord came over to change our locks...when we discovered that Jeanie actually should have a key according to the condo laws...our landlord proceeded to run to the grocery store and buy us all some crystal light and snack food. A little bribery for our troubles perhaps...as if that wasn't fishy enough, our condo owner brought over a $150 gift certificate last night for a nice restaurant. So clearly something has gone very wrong with their upholding their end of the lease.
Long story short, our bathrooms all work (thanks to Gamel, our great handy-man who worked extremely hard into the evening a couple of days to get us squared away), but one of our kitchens (with the better oven) is still out of commission.
In other news, I got pulled over for the first time last night! Woohoo. We are driving along after out delicious meal on our condo owner and a roomie in the back is telling a great story about being pulled over by the police. I happen to glance in the rear-view mirror and notice that a cop is behind me...hmmm, I better not speed or anything, wouldn't that be ironic if we got pulled over when someone was telling a story about the exact phenomenon. O dear...this is actually happening, lights behind me are flashing, "Is he seriously asking me to pull over?" I question my compatriots. Indeed he was, and I proceed to move into a conveniently located pull-out area, signaling carefully.
I roll down the window and prepare myself for my first ticket. A young policeman approaches my window. "Good evening ma'am, how's it going tonight?" "Very well, thank you" I say. "Have you been drinking tonight?" "No, not a drop" (A true statement) "I'll walk the line or take a blood alcohol level test if you want" "What about everybody else" "Yes, others in the car have been" (Each had a drink at dinner). "Do you know why I pulled you over ma'am?" "No sir, I am very curious," I say with a little too much enthusiasm in my voice." "Your headlights are off" "O wow! I didn't even realize!" I respond with genuine shock, madly turning the knob that would ensure full visibility of the path ahead. "Do you know who usually drives at night with their headlights off?" He asks with a slight air of condescension. "I am guessing drunk drivers?" What do I win Bob?! "Yes, ma'am. License and registration please." I provide the essentials. By this point a second car had joined our party across the street, and shortly thereafter a third car, making three cars blocking traffic with lights flashing. Are they serious? I think. A female approaches with some plastic tubes in her hand. "Have you ever taken one of these before?" she inquires. "No, I haven't." "Take a deep breath, blow hard into the tube and don't stop until I tell you." Taking a deep breath, I blew with all of my might as I avoided cracking under the sarcastic comedic comments relating to sexual references from the peanut gallery in the back. "She's clean" the policewoman reports to her fellow member of the force. The first policeman comes back into view, returning borrowed documents and closes our meeting with, "Thank you for being the designated driver this evening, have a good night." Whew! Not even a verbal warning. I will certainly keep my lights on in the future.
1) Make sure you are the only ones who have keys to the place, or at least know all parties that have a key.
2) Ensure that your landlord upholds the darn agreement from the beginning!
A few days ago, we had moved into a nicely renovated condo with two bathrooms and 2 kitchens...little did we know that one bathroom was off limits because the drains were leaking into our downstairs neighbor's ceiling and the electricity in one kitchen didn't work...pretty sweet. One afternoon we came home to a note on a bathroom mirror reading, "DON'T USE SINK OR SHOWER! --Your downstairs neighbor." I mean really? At least get rid of the caps Jeanie. And how freaking impersonal. And she has a key to our place?! Apparently the condo owner and Jeanie have a history of bad blood between them. That night our landlord came over to change our locks...when we discovered that Jeanie actually should have a key according to the condo laws...our landlord proceeded to run to the grocery store and buy us all some crystal light and snack food. A little bribery for our troubles perhaps...as if that wasn't fishy enough, our condo owner brought over a $150 gift certificate last night for a nice restaurant. So clearly something has gone very wrong with their upholding their end of the lease.
Long story short, our bathrooms all work (thanks to Gamel, our great handy-man who worked extremely hard into the evening a couple of days to get us squared away), but one of our kitchens (with the better oven) is still out of commission.
In other news, I got pulled over for the first time last night! Woohoo. We are driving along after out delicious meal on our condo owner and a roomie in the back is telling a great story about being pulled over by the police. I happen to glance in the rear-view mirror and notice that a cop is behind me...hmmm, I better not speed or anything, wouldn't that be ironic if we got pulled over when someone was telling a story about the exact phenomenon. O dear...this is actually happening, lights behind me are flashing, "Is he seriously asking me to pull over?" I question my compatriots. Indeed he was, and I proceed to move into a conveniently located pull-out area, signaling carefully.
I roll down the window and prepare myself for my first ticket. A young policeman approaches my window. "Good evening ma'am, how's it going tonight?" "Very well, thank you" I say. "Have you been drinking tonight?" "No, not a drop" (A true statement) "I'll walk the line or take a blood alcohol level test if you want" "What about everybody else" "Yes, others in the car have been" (Each had a drink at dinner). "Do you know why I pulled you over ma'am?" "No sir, I am very curious," I say with a little too much enthusiasm in my voice." "Your headlights are off" "O wow! I didn't even realize!" I respond with genuine shock, madly turning the knob that would ensure full visibility of the path ahead. "Do you know who usually drives at night with their headlights off?" He asks with a slight air of condescension. "I am guessing drunk drivers?" What do I win Bob?! "Yes, ma'am. License and registration please." I provide the essentials. By this point a second car had joined our party across the street, and shortly thereafter a third car, making three cars blocking traffic with lights flashing. Are they serious? I think. A female approaches with some plastic tubes in her hand. "Have you ever taken one of these before?" she inquires. "No, I haven't." "Take a deep breath, blow hard into the tube and don't stop until I tell you." Taking a deep breath, I blew with all of my might as I avoided cracking under the sarcastic comedic comments relating to sexual references from the peanut gallery in the back. "She's clean" the policewoman reports to her fellow member of the force. The first policeman comes back into view, returning borrowed documents and closes our meeting with, "Thank you for being the designated driver this evening, have a good night." Whew! Not even a verbal warning. I will certainly keep my lights on in the future.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
New Assignment
During institute a few weeks ago, one corps member noticed that our district had recently cut 400 jobs. A little concerned, we asked an '06 (someone who began teaching with TFA in 2006) what this would mean for our placements. He replied with a laugh, "It's a political move because they didn't receive as much money from the state as they requested - don't worry, it won't affect TFA people." Reassured, but unsure how to feel about the too typical, somewhat arrogant, self-assurance of many corps members, I concluded that nothing would be affected.
That was until two days ago. I received an email relaying to me and another '08 that our placements were being shifted around. The next day I learned that I will now be in a high school, which luckily is about the same distance, although a totally different direction, from the apartment. The middle school math praxis II, which I took back in the spring, allows teachers to teach grades 6-9. Thus, I will be teaching 9th grade math - nice, because I won't have multiple grade levels to prepare for, although I still may have different subjects within the 9th grade. My initial preference was actually for high school, so I am getting my first choice after all, even though I had been looking forward to middle school after my experience this summer.
The TFA name might get you great benefits at Wachovia and Kinko's, but it can't protect you from all bureaucratic shifts it seems.
That was until two days ago. I received an email relaying to me and another '08 that our placements were being shifted around. The next day I learned that I will now be in a high school, which luckily is about the same distance, although a totally different direction, from the apartment. The middle school math praxis II, which I took back in the spring, allows teachers to teach grades 6-9. Thus, I will be teaching 9th grade math - nice, because I won't have multiple grade levels to prepare for, although I still may have different subjects within the 9th grade. My initial preference was actually for high school, so I am getting my first choice after all, even though I had been looking forward to middle school after my experience this summer.
The TFA name might get you great benefits at Wachovia and Kinko's, but it can't protect you from all bureaucratic shifts it seems.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Home Sweet Home!
Back in Oaktown and already missing institute. I must say, those first few weeks were rather rough in terms of scrambling together lesson plans and attempting to execute effectively and efficiently. Overall though, despite the fact that I was extremely skeptical that Teach for America could prepare individuals completely new to teaching to lead their own classrooms to high achievement the very next fall, I am feeling far more confident in this regard than I ever thought I would.
On the last day of teaching this summer we got new freedom in terms of what we could plan. We began the day with a spontaneous push-up contest, with Mr. C. seeing just how many he could push out in two minutes. This was sparked by my informing the class why I had been absent the day before - attending my brothers OCS graduation - and following that, how many push-ups my brother did in 2 minutes. Mr. C. thought he could easily surpass this number, and set to work with bewildered and skeptical students looking on. In the end, Mr. C. put forth a valiant effort, performing far more than I thought he could; however, his form did not reach ARMY standards, and therefore I had to inform him that virtually every one he did would not have counted (I also warned him of this during his attempt, but he failed to heed my warnings).
After a morning workout, it was time for my lesson: Meditation. I set out on the floor the blankets I had brought with me and asked students to remove their shoes and join me in a circle. We chatted about the benefits of meditation - including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, improved cognitive and athletic performance, and more. Then we got into our first meditation: with our eyes closed, we counted our breaths from one to ten and then back to one in our heads.
Now, keep in mind that when first considering whether or not to bring meditation to the class, I had a few reservations. First and foremost, I was concerned that students would simply fall asleep. This was a risk particularly due to the fact that my lesson came first in the day - 8:30am. My second worry was that they would not take it seriously, perhaps laughing and talking during the meditation. Fortunately, my fears were assuaged. Our kids were energized and a short talk about staying focused on the meditation kept them engaged ("if you find yourself with your eyes open, exchanging a laugh with a friend, just close your eyes and bring your attention back to you breathing"). When I was ready to bring them out of is, I opened my eyes, looked around, and saw all students relaxed with their eyes closed. It was a definite success, with students saying that this was a technique they would likely try again at home when they needed to relax - whether it be to escape the stress that an unhappy baby's screaming might induce or just to come down before bed after a long day. This is something that I will absolutely incorporate into my classes in the fall once a safe, supportive environment has been established.
I have been home for a few days now and it's unbelievable how quickly institute went by. I will surely keep in touch with students I met over the summer and will spend the next two weeks preparing mentally and logistically before heading back to the South for more directed preparation. Nice to get some time off though to eat well and see old friends!
On the last day of teaching this summer we got new freedom in terms of what we could plan. We began the day with a spontaneous push-up contest, with Mr. C. seeing just how many he could push out in two minutes. This was sparked by my informing the class why I had been absent the day before - attending my brothers OCS graduation - and following that, how many push-ups my brother did in 2 minutes. Mr. C. thought he could easily surpass this number, and set to work with bewildered and skeptical students looking on. In the end, Mr. C. put forth a valiant effort, performing far more than I thought he could; however, his form did not reach ARMY standards, and therefore I had to inform him that virtually every one he did would not have counted (I also warned him of this during his attempt, but he failed to heed my warnings).
After a morning workout, it was time for my lesson: Meditation. I set out on the floor the blankets I had brought with me and asked students to remove their shoes and join me in a circle. We chatted about the benefits of meditation - including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, improved cognitive and athletic performance, and more. Then we got into our first meditation: with our eyes closed, we counted our breaths from one to ten and then back to one in our heads.
Now, keep in mind that when first considering whether or not to bring meditation to the class, I had a few reservations. First and foremost, I was concerned that students would simply fall asleep. This was a risk particularly due to the fact that my lesson came first in the day - 8:30am. My second worry was that they would not take it seriously, perhaps laughing and talking during the meditation. Fortunately, my fears were assuaged. Our kids were energized and a short talk about staying focused on the meditation kept them engaged ("if you find yourself with your eyes open, exchanging a laugh with a friend, just close your eyes and bring your attention back to you breathing"). When I was ready to bring them out of is, I opened my eyes, looked around, and saw all students relaxed with their eyes closed. It was a definite success, with students saying that this was a technique they would likely try again at home when they needed to relax - whether it be to escape the stress that an unhappy baby's screaming might induce or just to come down before bed after a long day. This is something that I will absolutely incorporate into my classes in the fall once a safe, supportive environment has been established.
I have been home for a few days now and it's unbelievable how quickly institute went by. I will surely keep in touch with students I met over the summer and will spend the next two weeks preparing mentally and logistically before heading back to the South for more directed preparation. Nice to get some time off though to eat well and see old friends!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Bitter-Sweet Work-Free Night
Yesterday over dinner, I learned of rumors going around school that students plan to smuggle weapons (guns and/or razors) into school through pregnant girls on Thursday. As mentioned earlier, these young women are not required to pass through the metal detectors for fear of harming their unborn children. The metal detector staff, including myself, do not always thoroughly search these individuals - a quick search through their bags and maybe a light pat down. Of all students, these would definitely be the best to bring in unwelcome weaponry into the place.
Well fights needn't wait until this Thursday evidently. This morning a corps member noticed a razor blade hidden in a female students' hair. She notified a veteran teacher, who proceeded either not to understand or not care - still unclear. However, eventually the student was confronted, ending in her suspension and likely a trip to juvi. Almost half of this one class has been suspended at some point during summer school.
Yesterday the school had an assembly where "star" and "most-improved" students were appreciated in front of the school. The facilitator did a model job handling the hidden hostile atmosphere...not exactly. He began by getting each middle school, in turn, to out-cheer other schools. If this conflict is truly between middle schools, what on earth would move someone to highlight these differences in front of the largest crowd possible? Additionally, if the administration really believes that there may be an eruption of violence on Thursday, why would it let school run go on that day. Theoretically, an ideal leadership would call off school after the test, ensuring the safety of students and all staff. However, apparently school will go on. Luckily, I will not be at school on Thursday, as I will be cheering on my brother for his graduation; however, I do worry about the well-being of my fellow corps members and students.
The high note of the week was certainly yesterday afternoon when one of my students initiated an enthusiastic high-five at the end of the day. Often I am the initiator, receiving a less than incredible response from students. Thus, it completely made my day when G. sent a big high-five my way.
Yesss work-free evening, amazing. Time to look over those apartment details...
Well fights needn't wait until this Thursday evidently. This morning a corps member noticed a razor blade hidden in a female students' hair. She notified a veteran teacher, who proceeded either not to understand or not care - still unclear. However, eventually the student was confronted, ending in her suspension and likely a trip to juvi. Almost half of this one class has been suspended at some point during summer school.
Yesterday the school had an assembly where "star" and "most-improved" students were appreciated in front of the school. The facilitator did a model job handling the hidden hostile atmosphere...not exactly. He began by getting each middle school, in turn, to out-cheer other schools. If this conflict is truly between middle schools, what on earth would move someone to highlight these differences in front of the largest crowd possible? Additionally, if the administration really believes that there may be an eruption of violence on Thursday, why would it let school run go on that day. Theoretically, an ideal leadership would call off school after the test, ensuring the safety of students and all staff. However, apparently school will go on. Luckily, I will not be at school on Thursday, as I will be cheering on my brother for his graduation; however, I do worry about the well-being of my fellow corps members and students.
The high note of the week was certainly yesterday afternoon when one of my students initiated an enthusiastic high-five at the end of the day. Often I am the initiator, receiving a less than incredible response from students. Thus, it completely made my day when G. sent a big high-five my way.
Yesss work-free evening, amazing. Time to look over those apartment details...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
On Post and Male Gay Bars
After a virtual bike race through redwood forests and pacific coastal trails (amazing exercise equipment these days!) I headed out to test my navigational skills on a new public transportation system. Walking about a mile to the closest rapid transit train system, I successfully got myself to the Atlanta airport, and from there to Ft. Benning, utilizing a highly convenient shuttle service. Rather hilariously ironic, I thought, the film on the way to the ARMY Fort was "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," a 2007 comedy about two FDNY young men who decide to get married to reap the benefits of domestic partnerships.
Once on base, the service dropped me right outside Daniel's dorm, which was pretty sweet. I couldn't believe how enormous the base is; I have been told it is the largest in the United States. Seriously though, it is a town in and of itself - warranting its own "Ft. Benning" for the city location of the address. I met one of DFish's bunkmates and a few of his other buddies. We enjoyed some delicious hamburgers, a quick trip to Barnes and Noble, and the bumping, eclectic musical collection of a fellow soldier. It was fantastic to see and hang out with him. I look forward to his graduation this Thursday and spending over a week together back home in Cali beginning in a couple of weeks.
I left Ft. Benning around 8 and arrived back in ATL around 10:15pm. Much like I become uncomfortable seeing acquaintances from high school that I haven't seen in a while, I ran into some TFA people getting off MARTA at the same time as I. It was nice to see them, however I worried that they would too adamantly encourage me to join them for a night on the town - I was feeling some solitary exploration of the city as opposed to a group effort. One gentlemen suggested that a girl shouldn't walk home alone. Praying that chivalry truly is dead, I reaffirmed my preference for walking around a bit before heading home and hoped that he wouldn't insist against this. Finally parting from the group, I said good night, and walked in the direction opposite campus.
I realized that I was in the same location that I had been when out and about with a few friends the night before, certainly a comfort. The street was lit up with electronic signs and rainbow flags and the air was filled with the combination of live and DJ-controlled music. Poking my head into one bar, I felt unsure of my presence there and headed to Starbucks for a quick bite. Recharged, I made up my mind to go back to the bar. Asking in front about the establishment, I had trouble discerning the general vibe of the scene. Well, I'll just have to decide for myself, I thought. With some renewed ounces of courage, I opened the door and asked how much the cover was. Within 10 seconds of entering, I immediately fled toward the bar for a coke, feeling the need for something, anything in hand to blend in. Too soon did I realize that I was not only the only white individual in the place, but also the only female...hmm. My suspicions about the place were confirmed as two African-American gentlemen took the floor and showed each other a little love. I didn't really feel overly out of place, as I was very much enjoying the music, but worried that others might be bothered by the presence of a female in their all-male space - thus, I decided to leave. Luckily I found a bus back to campus, as I didn't feel too safe walking the mile back to campus in the dark.
One more week of school and then back to Cali next Saturday!
Once on base, the service dropped me right outside Daniel's dorm, which was pretty sweet. I couldn't believe how enormous the base is; I have been told it is the largest in the United States. Seriously though, it is a town in and of itself - warranting its own "Ft. Benning" for the city location of the address. I met one of DFish's bunkmates and a few of his other buddies. We enjoyed some delicious hamburgers, a quick trip to Barnes and Noble, and the bumping, eclectic musical collection of a fellow soldier. It was fantastic to see and hang out with him. I look forward to his graduation this Thursday and spending over a week together back home in Cali beginning in a couple of weeks.
I left Ft. Benning around 8 and arrived back in ATL around 10:15pm. Much like I become uncomfortable seeing acquaintances from high school that I haven't seen in a while, I ran into some TFA people getting off MARTA at the same time as I. It was nice to see them, however I worried that they would too adamantly encourage me to join them for a night on the town - I was feeling some solitary exploration of the city as opposed to a group effort. One gentlemen suggested that a girl shouldn't walk home alone. Praying that chivalry truly is dead, I reaffirmed my preference for walking around a bit before heading home and hoped that he wouldn't insist against this. Finally parting from the group, I said good night, and walked in the direction opposite campus.
I realized that I was in the same location that I had been when out and about with a few friends the night before, certainly a comfort. The street was lit up with electronic signs and rainbow flags and the air was filled with the combination of live and DJ-controlled music. Poking my head into one bar, I felt unsure of my presence there and headed to Starbucks for a quick bite. Recharged, I made up my mind to go back to the bar. Asking in front about the establishment, I had trouble discerning the general vibe of the scene. Well, I'll just have to decide for myself, I thought. With some renewed ounces of courage, I opened the door and asked how much the cover was. Within 10 seconds of entering, I immediately fled toward the bar for a coke, feeling the need for something, anything in hand to blend in. Too soon did I realize that I was not only the only white individual in the place, but also the only female...hmm. My suspicions about the place were confirmed as two African-American gentlemen took the floor and showed each other a little love. I didn't really feel overly out of place, as I was very much enjoying the music, but worried that others might be bothered by the presence of a female in their all-male space - thus, I decided to leave. Luckily I found a bus back to campus, as I didn't feel too safe walking the mile back to campus in the dark.
One more week of school and then back to Cali next Saturday!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Two Great Lessons and Handcuffs
I ended the week on a high note, having given two excellent lessons. The first consisted of an interactive activity where students were given post-its with a number on it, decided whether it was rational or irrational (conferring with a friend if necessary), and then stuck it in the appropriate rational or irrational circle. My Faculty Advisor asked me how I felt about them, and I shared with her that I thought they were my best days thus far, she nodded with encouragement.
Last week there was a big fight at school. During metal detector duty heads started turning towards the noise beginning to erupt from the gym downstairs. A police officer came in through our side of the metal detectors. Shortly after, he returned with a young man in handcuffs. As far as I heard, he was taken to the station and is now in jail. During the fight one teacher, a corps member, fled from the gym and proceeded to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a dazed, holding-onto the-faith-of-a-greater-power look. We had various reactions, but this was certainly the most extreme.
Speaking of God; in one of our sessions this week we examined the case of a classroom of four TFA women. They had been talking about how rough the boys they had were, however I still had my doubts, assuming that they were merely exaggerating. However, as I sat in the back of their classroom this week observing, I realized I was wrong. The group never ceases to talk while the teacher talks; one boy got out of his chair, jumping off of a desk to reach a high shelf upon which he threw his shirt. The students attempt to out-disrespect one another and the teacher constantly. I truly admire how these teachers maintain a positive attitude.
Back to the session...the four teachers relayed that they refused to give up on one particular student in their class - the leader who encourages other students to refrain from keeping up a productive learning environment. After the group offered some suggestions, one gentleman raised his hand and offered, "Look, Jesus Christ came down and even he couldn't save everybody." True, perhaps, I thought; however, the uncomfortable silence led me to believe that he had struck a wrong cord among others in the room. Moving right along, the individual leading the discussion hastily moved forward without really addressing the comment, as I saw a note passed between two members in the audience reading, "Big Brother says (crossed out) RELIGION."
At our weekly school meeting yesterday afternoon, our school director noted "just one more thing" before we broke for the holiday weekend. She reminded us that while students will take their official re-test next Wednesday, many students may return on Thursday just to fight. One might first think that the fighting is gang related, with students clearly choosing to wear red or blue and the bloods or crips signs written around the school or being thrown up by students. However, it seems as though the conflict is more over middle schools than gangs. Hopefully next Thursday will go smoothly...
Aside from school, I attended a corps social event last night, followed by a trip into downtown ATL to catch some nightlife. We went to an edgy bar/restaurant called "The Vortex," enjoying some delicious hummus. For the 4th tonight, I headed to a friend's home for some grilling and small town fireworks. The food was delicious, the fireworks impressive, and most enjoyable of all, the dogs sweet and cuddly. Taking a day trip to visit my bro tomorrow!
Last week there was a big fight at school. During metal detector duty heads started turning towards the noise beginning to erupt from the gym downstairs. A police officer came in through our side of the metal detectors. Shortly after, he returned with a young man in handcuffs. As far as I heard, he was taken to the station and is now in jail. During the fight one teacher, a corps member, fled from the gym and proceeded to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a dazed, holding-onto the-faith-of-a-greater-power look. We had various reactions, but this was certainly the most extreme.
Speaking of God; in one of our sessions this week we examined the case of a classroom of four TFA women. They had been talking about how rough the boys they had were, however I still had my doubts, assuming that they were merely exaggerating. However, as I sat in the back of their classroom this week observing, I realized I was wrong. The group never ceases to talk while the teacher talks; one boy got out of his chair, jumping off of a desk to reach a high shelf upon which he threw his shirt. The students attempt to out-disrespect one another and the teacher constantly. I truly admire how these teachers maintain a positive attitude.
Back to the session...the four teachers relayed that they refused to give up on one particular student in their class - the leader who encourages other students to refrain from keeping up a productive learning environment. After the group offered some suggestions, one gentleman raised his hand and offered, "Look, Jesus Christ came down and even he couldn't save everybody." True, perhaps, I thought; however, the uncomfortable silence led me to believe that he had struck a wrong cord among others in the room. Moving right along, the individual leading the discussion hastily moved forward without really addressing the comment, as I saw a note passed between two members in the audience reading, "Big Brother says (crossed out) RELIGION."
At our weekly school meeting yesterday afternoon, our school director noted "just one more thing" before we broke for the holiday weekend. She reminded us that while students will take their official re-test next Wednesday, many students may return on Thursday just to fight. One might first think that the fighting is gang related, with students clearly choosing to wear red or blue and the bloods or crips signs written around the school or being thrown up by students. However, it seems as though the conflict is more over middle schools than gangs. Hopefully next Thursday will go smoothly...
Aside from school, I attended a corps social event last night, followed by a trip into downtown ATL to catch some nightlife. We went to an edgy bar/restaurant called "The Vortex," enjoying some delicious hummus. For the 4th tonight, I headed to a friend's home for some grilling and small town fireworks. The food was delicious, the fireworks impressive, and most enjoyable of all, the dogs sweet and cuddly. Taking a day trip to visit my bro tomorrow!
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