It has been nearly 4 months since I have shared (in my typically and oft-criticized, ahem friends who prefer it as a "book on tape," verbose manner) the ups and downs of the Teach for America experience. Don't worry, I am not going to attempt to cram everything in this one post. Because the truth of the matter is these 4 months have provided me with enough material to write a decently sized novel or the screenplay for a full length dramedy. I will catch all of you up to speed eventually, but the purpose of this blog is to offer up some of the highlights and lowlights, so you can share (if you wish) in the most challenging, frustrating, but easily the most fulfilling adventure of my life.
Highlights: Bill Cosby was right, Kids truly do say the darndest things. Especially five year olds. As a Kindergarten teacher, I am never lacking joy in my job. My kids sustain me and remind me daily why I stick out the less than appealing hours, paperwork, certification courses, etc. They supply me with endless stories, lots of laughter, and a boosted sense of self worth. Nothing quite like a child bringing you a rose in the morning, proposing with a heart silly band, or running towards you in the hallway in the morning saying, "I just love you so much Mees Cruz!"
There's also nothing quite like the brain of a five year old and the thoughts it produces. If you've chatted with me in the last few months, you surely have heard of one of my favorite students--we'll call him Zebra for the sake of privacy :) He is one of a kind. I'd carry him around with me wherever I go if I could, creepy I know, just to hear what he has to say about every little life encounter. Here are a few examples of Zebra's latest verbal musings:
"Ms. Cruz, I have a headache, I think you are stuffing too much learning in my brain."
"Ms. Cruz, I have a secret. I think that I used to be a vampire. Or maybe a robot."
(Pointing to his muscles) "If you think these are big, you should see my brain."
"I think you are cooler than a ninja, Ms. Cruz."
Lowlights: It ain't always so lovely and glamorous. I also must deal with temper tantrums, chronic "accidents," incessant criers, and circumstances/situations that break my heart daily. I will divulge more information later. But as I want to keep this short and relatively optimistic, I will spare the details for now. Just know this: I have threatened to put one of my children in diapers, and I also have found myself crying in my car on the way home from work far more often than could be deemed sane or normal. So keep sending prayers, luck, support, strength, and humor my way. Especially during this month which notoriously known in TFA Houston as SUCKtober and marks the beginning of the three month "pit of teaching despair" that spans until Winter Break. Yeesh. Hopefully Zebra and the rest of my wonderful kids can keep me afloat during this fun fest.
And now for a few shameless plugs:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go see Waiting For Superman. It will be $10 (dang, movies have gotten expensive) and 2 hours well spent. If you don't believe me, take Oprah's word for it. Or Bill Gates's. Or John Legend's.
Also, if you so feel inclined, donations to my classroom project would be MUCH appreciated :) I'm halfway to project completion thanks to the generous support of wonderful friends and family. My kids will do a special cheer for you (ask Annie), and I will be infinitely indebted to you. The link follows:
http://www.donorschoose.org/lauryn.cruz
Thirdly, COME VISIT. Houston is (finally) growing on me, and I'd love to share my life here with the people I love the most! So consider this an invitation extended to all, please take me up on my offer.
And finally to leave you with the quote of the week. One to ponder, perhaps. One that has certainly challenged me and one that I hope will challenge you, too.
"A ship is safe in harbor. But that's not what ships are for."--William Shedd
Much love, always.
LC
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