M

Okay, so M came in today because she needed my help-- she has to write a letter to the court so that her dad can get his citizenship and stay in the US. Right now he just has a work visa and its about to expire. She is a citizen, as are all of her sisters (except one) but neither of her parents are.... her mom is here illegally. So she came to ask me for help with that. BUT before she did that she had to explain her last year to me. Apparently, the death of her cousin-- who was like a sister to her-- shook her to the bone.

Her cousin's name was Abagail. At 14 she was diagnosed with Leukemia, and halfway through the year.... she died. M was there when they pulled the plug. M was there when she slipped into a coma. M was there to see her eyes all bloody and chafed because her tear ducts were no longer producing liquid. M was there to say goodbye to the girl she wanted to share her quincinera with.

And then, her dad went to prison.
And she was at a new school.
And she had no friends.


And so, she started doing drugs. And cutting herself. And getting into fights. Because part of her didn't want to live anymore. And part of her just wanted to escape. Because she didn't know what to do. She just didn't want to do this.

She's now in counseling. For anger management. For drugs. For the huge cuts she's inflicted upon herself. She worries that she's permanently damaged her brain. She worries that she's permanently damaged her future. She's terrified to tell me anything. I'm terrified she won't.

I love this girl. She is my sister. She is coming to me after school tomorrow so we can work on her letter. I can't help but feel like I need to save her. To rescue her. That she'd be like me if only she was in the environment I was raised in.

I wonder if I've done any good. I wonder if I've had enough of an impact. She says I'm like her mom. I wonder if that's enough.

What are you, new?

Nayeli and Stephanie are in detention, cleaning up a major mess. Stephanie was tardy one too many times, but the other one? Is the only kid out of 125 who has given me any crap. Does she not know that I'm a bigger diva than she could ever be?
Former students Nephew, Israel and Mr. Chavez come to visit, while Jasmine looks on. Jasmine, who is friends with (and is often the ring-leader of) the two trouble makers, has an epiphany....

Jasmine: Wait. You guys are in here for detention? Not to hang out? You're giving Miss J crap? Are you crazy? She's like, one of the coolest teachers in the school. You have to be cool to her.
Israel: (looks at Nayely) Seriously. What are you... new? (She actually is)

Nothin' better than getting the kids to say what you are thinking.

Sebastian

Info you need to know: Sebastian is about 4 feet tall. He's got elfin features and a spunky little personality. He's the younger brother of a feisty and intelligent student I had last year...and apparently, has an obsession with my pronunciation.

Yesterday
Sebastian: Miss J, say "Fresh."
Me: What? No.
Sebastian: But it's cool. It's cool the way you say "fresh."
Me: You're weird. Finish your lab. Then maybe you'll get your wish, Mentos Man.
Sebastian: Miss J. How does your mouth feel when you brush your teeth?
Me: Clean.
Sebastian: How does mint taste?
Me: Delicious. Lab. Now.

Today
Sebastian: My sweat smells like victory. See? Victory. Right here. In the pits. The side of my arm. It's triumph.
Me: You sound like an ad for Axe.
Sebastian: Because Axe is....FRESH! Say it!
Me: Oh god. Not again.
Sebastian: You're one saucy mama.

What is with these kids?

Year Four, Week 3

"So, you're in education?" says the bank lady.
"Yep. Year four." I look at her face. "Of teaching," I clarify. Because I know what she's thinking.

And then she says it.
"Oh! I thought you were a student."

Of course.

Also, it's week three. Which means the kids are going to start to push. Honeymoon? Over. Today after putting something in GIANT LETTERS which I underlined in RED and said at least 3 times, a kid had the nerve to shout at me:

"You never said that!"

I glowered. I pointed at his notebook where he had it writen. I pointed to the board.
"I...uh.... am not saying you're a liar." He said, looking afraid.
Damn right.

It was a long day.

Let's Talk about Sex Bay-bee

"Okay! So, in order to talk about energy, we're gonna talk about SEX!"
Silence. Then some hooting and nervous laughter.
"FUNGUS SEX."

My kids are not amused by me.

First Day: A Success!

The first day was a success! I over planned this year... so it wasn't a heart-attack like last year. (Oh crap! Oh CRAP! I still have an hour with your butts! Let me quick show you a demo and make a crazy analogy..... Er.... Vinegar. Baking soda. Your brain. Err....)

I already knew about 85% of their faces, and about 50% of them I had either in 6th or in summer school for writing. GOD THAT MAKES MY JOB EASIER.

Except for the fact that I have a self-proclaimed "Young Republican" who is actually a "Young Socialist."

I'm sure you'll be reading more about him in upcoming months.

I'm exhausted, but things are good. I'm excited.

I think it is gonna be a great year.