The past few weeks have been rather disappointing. A series of events have made me feel like I’m in a slump, trying desperately to claw my way back up to normality. First of all, that girl who came into my class after being called terrible names by her previous teacher has been sent to the alternative school. The CT and I have tried hard to make at least OUR classroom a welcoming place for her, and when she is present she makes the effort, seeming genuinely interested in learning. However, in one incident she betrayed the trust that we have in class by using my, and the CT’s name while skipping in the cafeteria. She said, “Well they let me be here!” to the AP who interrogated her. It’s just disappointing.
Also, this blog project is not going so well. The students who participate have done a great job, and I’ve spent a great deal of time working out all the kinks and problems in order to make this an interesting and engaging project. However, the majority of people in each class do not do the assignments, and I really don’t know how to get them to work. I remind the students each week of the upcoming assignments every day. I give them extra time to complete the assignments. I’ve even had a “you’re better than this” speech with the kids. I had hoped that this would work out much better than it has. Again, disappointing.
Finally, I was walking down the hallway when I ran into one of my students sitting. She is in ROTC, and was wearing her fatigues. Our conversation went like this:
Me: Hey A…, how are you today?
A: Oh, not so good Mr. Cane
Me: What’s wrong?
A: Well I got passed up for promotion in ROTC again this week. I just don’t understand it. I’ve been trying really hard this year, and I still didn’t get promoted.
Me: Hmmm. Well have you spoken with the [person in charge]?
A: Well yeah, I spoke with Col., and he didn’t really say much. I’m so mad. I know the Major doesn’t like me. I think I just want to quit.
Me: Okay A. I understand why you are upset. I understand that you are mad. I know how much this hurts, and feel for you. But don’t make the decision to quit while you are in this state. Remember, you make bad decisions when you are angry. So take the weekend to think about a few things, and then come back to school on Monday ready to face the challenge.
A: Thanks Mr. Cane. That makes a lot of sense.
I walked away from this conversation happy that I had this interaction with the girl. We had a connection, and I really felt like I helped her. I recounted this story to the CT, and he was also impressed by the way I handled this situation. Nevertheless, he told me that the Major [guy in charge of the whole ROTC] does not tend to promote girls. I was struck still by just how unfair this whole situation is. This poor girl works very hard in my class, and so I believe her when she says she worked hard for ROTC. Yet, despite this she wont’ get promoted. Once more, disappointing.
Posted by flank6a 