The Things that Keep Me Going

Shemar asking: "Miss Siri, could you help me with my homework at lunch?". Oh my gosh.  Of course! Probably the most precious moments I've had here, sitting in the library, chatting, laughing, eating lunch and helping him on his research report.

Brittany and Sarah remembering my birthday: "Did you have a good birthday, Miss Siri?!"

Little Shayron with his dimples constantly dancing for the class.  Then giving a "Shout out to all the 7th graders for working so hard in the Brain Bowl today". Oh my gosh. Precious.

Avinash asking, "Miss Siri, will you stay here forever?".

These are the things that keep me going when things are so challenging, emotionally, mentally, physically.

Literacy "Brain Bowl" today! So much fun!  Each class of 7th graders competed against each other in this game, where they had to work in groups of 3 to come up with the answers to questions, then they would have to run up to the front of the assembly with their answer to get the next question.  My class got last place out of the five classes, but still it was astonishing and exciting to see how engaged everyone was...even the toughest kids who are always giving attitude!

Today at dinner I found out a kind, hardworking student, Eric, is homeless.  I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness.  Why does he come to class prepared, eager, is sweet and listens well, wants to be a policeman even though all the other African American boys make fun of him, and doesn't even get to leave school and go to a home?

It's instances like these break my heart in a very powerful way.  It's these instances that fuel my passion for education and the hope that I can make an impact in students' overall lives.  True, I may not be able to fix the horrifying situations that the kids come from, and in fact, I shouldn't because that's not what a teacher does---but I can give them tools, knowledge, life skills and a safe place that will help them learn how to navigate life better.

I am currently reading "Teaching Hope" by Erin Gruwell, my hero who is the real woman from the movie Freedom Writers.  I got to meet her this fall at a YWCA luncheon and I always look back at the front cover of the book she signed, "Siri---Give a voice to the voiceless!".  I will try Erin, I will try my hardest.