I have almost completed the first week of class. I have two more classes to go, but I can safely say that my classes this semester are going to rock. Despite my negative attitude all month, and despite the shit-ton of bull that I’ve been experiencing, I’m actually pretty psyched about school now. My students have seriously lifted my spirits. This is why I entered this profession.
I just came out of a class where we did the “I am From Poem.” I have written about using this activity in class before. I enjoy this poem because it teaches me about the students’ lives. One of the poem’s stanzas is to list sayings you heard growing up. Today, I heard some of the most humorous things: “Just because she was in your face doesn’t mean you had to hit her..” “stay out of grown folks’ business…” and “the grass may be greener on the other side, but you still have to mow it..”
I’ve noticed a shift in the poems over the past few years. One stanza is to list toys, objects, and mementos. More and more students are including game consoles, cellphones, and computers, less and less are incorporating basic toys or other mementos. Also, it always amuses me how many people list Spiderman, Superman, and Batman as their role models. That, at least, hasn’t changed over the years.
On another front, the furniture in my new office isn’t permanent. We are supposed to be getting our permanent furniture next month. Despite my best intentions, I keep unpacking things. I know that I will be annoyed with myself when the new furniture comes and I have to re-pack everything all over again.
Last, I’ve decided not to look at HuffPo for a week. The tea-bagging/gun-wielding/Hitler-shouting/Rosa Parks-ripping circus is just depressing me too much.
