I’m a substitute teacher. I spend my days in random classrooms across this city handing out worksheets, putting on instructional videos, and mis-pronouncing students names. I understand and embrace the consequences of my position. Students are going to try to sneak out of class. Students are going to call me “Mrs… uh….” Students are going to take this opportunity to throw things at one another and see how many curse words they can speak before I take my eyes off of the book I’m reading. I expect all of those things. I’m never prepared, however, for the negativity and vanity of students. I’m worried about the future. I’m worried because I can’t get some students to look me in the eye. I’m worried because I can’t get students to talk about anything other than sex, and pot, and that *&#%ing awesome movie or rap song. I’m worried because most students in a class will lie and decieve me because they think that they won’t get caught. I worry because I don’t remember my classmates being like this when I was in high school a few years ago. Have our young people gotten that bad in such a short amount of time…or am I just getting really old?
I know that the problem is partially my own. I have much to learn, compassion to gain, sincerity to develop, and patience to grow. I hope that I can develop these skills in proportion to the challenges that are surely ahead. =)
btw- it’s gorgeous today! Not because it’s sunny, but it’s overcast (anyone for portrait taking?!) and the air is hinting rain, and I don’t have to work at Red Robin tonight (yes! only one job today, how sublime!)
love you all, especially those of you whose names start with B.
elle!

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