As many of you know, I am a high school teacher in a Title I school which basically means that most students live below the poverty level and have your average "Dangerous Minds" existence filled with gangs, violence and the like. It is not called the District of Crime for no reason. But, when I go to work, I do not feel threatened or afraid but rather am constantly reminded of all the skills my kids have not received from previous institutions.
But today, oh today is one of those days that makes me feel like the White chick from "Freedom Writers"....like a freaking academic all star. I signed up to coach Debate this year and after last year's flaky interest, I did not have high hopes for the students that would show up.
Let me just tell you that we had 25 students show up and although the coaches and I wanted to have a 15-20 minute informational meeting, we ended up staying over 90 minutes because the kids had so many meaningful questions and wanted to learn more and more and more....
IT WAS RIDICULOUS! I seriously still want someone to pinch me because I do not believe that I have lived to see the moment. So many people write off kids like the ones that I teach. Today, I seriously felt like I was sharing space with future politicians, lawyers and overall successful Black men and women. I am hopeful...with this and Barack, I am floating on a cloud these days!
CHANGE is coming...
