I teach at two different schools—a community college and a small university. On my way to my office at the community college last Monday morning, I chatted with the maintenance man, as usual. He said he couldn’t wait for spring break. I complained that I’d still be teaching at my other school, therefore no real “break.” When I said the name of the other school, his face lit up. “My daughter goes there,” he said. “I don’t know what she’s studying or if you know her.” When he said her name, I smiled and told him what a great student she is. “Very hardworking and funny and smart,” I added. I know she is 18, lives in Southeast DC and takes a bus and the Metro to get to school. At the beginning of the semester, when I asked everyone in the class to write about their first time doing something, she’d written about working in a fast food joint near our school and being robbed at gun point. Other than this, I know nothing of her home life.
Archive for the 'teaching' Category
06
Apr
11
