This is Real
It’s been a little over a month since I last posted, and not much other than everything has happened. I’m now working two jobs and going to school full time, and that is proving to be quite difficult (and sometimes insanely goofy in an entertaining way). Seemingly always on the run, it takes a coercive effort to reflect on the meaningful experiences I’m having.
Starting with the new school year I’ve been working as a paraprofessional at a local high school. This has been at the same time both extremely grounding and fundamentally enriching. These teens, regardless of any behavior or social shortcomings, are all good kids. Sure, some of them don’t know it, but if I were in their shoes I’m not sure I’d know it either. Of course there are the stand-outs, the exceedingly smart overachievers that some teachers drool over, but they’ll excel no matter what, it’s just a question of degree.
My experience thus far has reinforced my calling to help the underachievers, those that struggle for whatever reason. Frankly I’m surprised that some of these kids show up, not because I think they’re destined for failure…I wouldn’t be going into education if I did. I’m surprised because, upon hearing some of the stories of their home lives, I’m completely floored by their resilience to show up everyday, even if they’re the kids that talk the entire period or snore during instruction.
As I delve deep into reflection, I find that I’m blessed with anchors. Anchors in this world that pin me to a fast-moving reality – a reality that’s both sad and empowering, but real nonetheless. I’ve now thrown over another anchor, and that’s my dedication to these teens and their deserved attention. Often people look to repeated failure as justification for surrender. That’s weak. And it’s a weakness powerful enough to crumble our society at its foundation. Unless, of course, we just keep trying. And trying. Standing still assures us that the rest of the world will pass by, that’s why we keep moving, if for no other reason than to keep up. Now if we could only run…