These Are the Days: Class

The past week of classes has been absolutely remarkable. On Monday my class went to an elementary school in Green Bay. 100% of the kids are on free or reduced lunch meaning it is a quite impoverished school. The facility itself was quite old & very low tech. It bore a plaque dedicated by FDR in 1935 to put things in perspective. Their gym was about as large as my living room.

We got to play some ball on recess & then came inside to observe & do a little tutoring. These kids are absolutely amazing. I mean you knew they dealt with extreme things at home, however their resiliency was amazing. The toughest thing was knowing many of these bright, amazing children will never escape the poverty cycle. It is truly heartbreaking.

I used to be a person that felt it was 100% up to the person to drag their ass out of the ditch & not make excuses. It some cases I still feel that is true, you do make things happen. However these children have virtually no role models or examples that would help lead them to success. It is amazingly frustrating.

This morning I had a presentation on emotionally disturbed children. So much of it related back to my experience on Monday. How do this kids know what is socially acceptable with absolutely no examples in life? How do you tell a kid to do something when everything in his environment says to do so otherwise? Ultimately every has to take responsibility for their actions. What happens when the kid’s mom is an alcoholic, the dad has taken off, & the kid is left to fend for itself? It is completely mind boggling to me.

After my group presentation I was off to a brand new school in Green Bay. The neighborhood surrounding it had half million dollar houses overlooking the bay. The facility was amazing. The facility housed roughly twice as many kids as the previous, however the place was the size of a small nation. It was at least 5 times bigger. The had 2 huge gyms, brand new computers, robots, everything thing a kid could ever need to succeed.

The difference was amazing. I can hardly put it into words. At the 1^st school I thought, “Wow, it is amazing what these kids can accomplish considering…” The second school I was thought “How can’t kids succeed?” The 1^st school had no computers. The second had new computers that were being replaced along with laptops for when the lab was full. I mean, this is the same school district, same money, completely different expectations.

It was all an eye opening experience.

the one constant between the buildings was the children. It never ceases to amaze me the energy, excitement, & potential kids exhibit. In the 1^st building I got to teach a child named Derek about percentages, & actually help. I can’t tell you how great that feels when the kid just gets it all of sudden. I love the feeling. I also got to referee a little flash card war in another class with a couple kids named Jack & Alex. It was a blast & awesome to see the kids enjoy it.

Anyway…I love my major & school & general. This semester has been a ton of fun so far & nearly as hellish as everyone had warned me. Nearly everyone in my classes has similar goals & mindsets & are awesome to work with. Life is a ton of fun right now.

Anyway…Tomorrow I am headed out to drink @ the Corner Pocket In Kaukauna with a couple old co-workers I haven’t seen in a while so that should create a story or 2…otherwise it is time for another great weekend. I have spring break starting the 10^th so I am just going to make mine 2 weeks & start partying all next week. My goal is new people & a new party every night. It’s going to be a blast.

Currently Playing….
On & On
By Jack Johnson
“Taylor”
(Video Link)