A Jeep In Summer

Not so Funny Student Quote

"Mr. H, you look like Forrest Gump."

I must say, however, that the most unfunny student quote to date is unpublishable, because it very liberally uses some of my favorite words. Who would have thought thirteen year old children had the ability to say such things? But, as I was reminded today, I am teaching in what is most likely the worst school system/district in the United States. It is definitely a daily challenge, an uphill battle, go ahead and insert here all of those timeless war-weary things you can say about what I do. Some would even say it's a lost cause and I need to get out, hit the road. But I haven't yet.

Somehow I've developed the ability to walk out of school at 3:30 and let it all fall off my shoulders. That's good. I'm not going to carry that crap around after-hours. And after every horrible day, I determine that tomorrow is going to be better, and that I'm going to teach a little better. I know that tomorrow might actually be worse, but telling myself that it's going to be better helps me show up for school every weekday.

One of the things I've learned is that the students can't really offend me. Anything they say to me...well, I've heard and thought worse sentiments about my appearance, my character, and my abilities.

One of the funniest things they can call me is a racist. I just wanna look at them and say, "Honey, if I were a racist I would not be teaching here. I would be comfortably ensconced in a safe, middle class, white community. I wouldn't have to worry about your future, your ability to read, your ability to read and follow instructions, whether you've taken your meds, or if you're going to be able to go on to 8th or 9th grade." But yet they pull out the racist label when they can't think of anything else to say. I think next time I'll just look at them and say, "Hey, you're grasping at straws. Now go stand in the hall."