and then there were nine (or eleven)

Our team is now a team of nine. Or eleven if you count Danielle and Erica. Arthur got fired on Thursday.  I know your jaw is probably hanging to the floor right now, but just wait.  You won't feel so bad once you hear the whole story. Hopefully, you'll be a little bit angry.

Last Friday at the dance, Arthur, Rachel, Pat, Angela, Margaret and myself were chaperoning.  The dances are always in the dining hall, which is right off of the lobby.  There is a hallway that connects the dining hall to the lobby, and the City Year office is right off of this hallway.  This is important later on in the story.

Friday was Comcast day and we were all at Northeastern.  When the day was over, Angela and I headed straight to school while everyone else went home to change and then come to school.  Everyone else arrived and things were going fine. I was out in the hallway in front of the CY office when I saw Arthur walking outside with his bag like he was leaving.  When I asked him where he was going, he said  he was just going outside because it was hot in the dining hall.  I thought it was strange because it really wasn't that hot and he had just gotten there.

I thought it was suspicious and asked Pat if he knew why Arthur went outside. I don't like to make assumptions, but it was just so weird.  Pat automatically knew and texted Arthur saying "If you went to go smoke, don't come back."  When Arthur returned, he reeked of weed and we made him stay in the office since he was refusing to leave.  We made him stay in the office until Angela left and drove him to the T. I didn't find out until later that he also had a bottle of Jack on him and was drinking in the office. Two of the teachers were at the dance and told us to make sure that he stayed in the office so none of the students could see or smell him.

The number of laws Arthur broke that night is incredible.  Let's count....

1. having an illegal substance
2. bringing an illegal substance on school grounds
3. smoking an illegal substance on school grounds
4. having alcohol underage
5. having alcohol on school property
6. drinking alcohol on school property

Basically, he should be glad no one called the cops. Not only were his actions illegal, they went against almost everything that City Year stands for. Serving with City Year means being a role model to our students. So many of students deal with drug and alcohol abuse at home and out of school.  I am almost positive that some of our students have started drinking and smoking.  The last thing they need is for the people they look up to and respect to do something so wrong.

So, Arthur is no longer with us. I'm not really sad. I'm actually really angry. I saw him Saturday night at a birthday party and walked away when he started talking. Maybe not the best tactic, but it is what it is.

We're at the office all week for Advanced Training Academy, so I'm sure we'll be discussing this EVERY DAY as a team. Note the sarcasm when I say I absolutely can't wait.

The most important single influence in the life of a person is another person ... who is worthy of emulation.

- Paul D. Shafer