Waiting for Superman

My day began and ended in an exciting manor.  I'll start with the beginning.  I was getting on the red line going to school, just like every day.  I sat down and was reading, but I saw this man sitting on the other side, just swaying back and forth.   In his hand was a bottle of Jameson and he was singing "Fly Like an Eagle."  His eyes were barely open and he obviously had no idea what was going on in the world around him. The man sitting next to me turned and said "Man, that guy better watch out.  They'll get him and throw him in jail." That's when it clicked. When I received my T pass, it was with the provision that I would act as Public Transit Official and report any "suspicious behavior."    As soon as I got off at my stop, I called the transit police to report my little friend.  They said they would meet the T at the next stop and take care of it.  Even though he wasn't really causing much trouble, the morning rush hour was starting and a lot of students take the T to school.  The last thing they need (or this guy needs) is a lot of hurried people and a crowded T.  What are your thoughts? Would you have called?

My buddy on the morning commute.

Anyways, my day ended on a great note.  We spent the whole day assessing students on their reading and how many words per minute they can read.  IT can be kind of painful in first grade because there are some kids who can only read six words per minute. Fast forward to the end of the day.  We stayed later to watch the documentary "Waiting for Superman."  It's about the education crisis and inequalities in the United States and is incredible.  If you haven't seen it, you should definitely check it out.  This is the third time I have watched this documentary, but every time, I finish it feeling more depressed, but more inspired.  Our education system is so broken that it can be frustrating, but it just motivates me to keep working.  It was a great thing to do because we're all feeling a little burnt out and tired, so I hope that this motivates us all to continue serving at our best.   I definitely recommend the film. Plus, the kids all remind us of our own students, which makes it that much harder and that much more inspiring.

 

Do small things with great love