Take Notes In Class

This is how I know I'm taking the idea of teaching more seriously.

I have a few kids who regularly visit my desk in the teacher's office. At some point during the day, a group of several girls will come hover around and start asking random questions. A few of them speak limited english, the rest either try or relay questions and comments thru their friends.

So one day, two of the girls that happen to be best friends start to explain their nicknames to me. One goes by Mouse and the other by the name Spongebob(When I see them together, I call them MouseBob). So after their giggle-filled explantion, they go off to class. Later in the day, I get a pair of notes from them:





Now of course, this is a cute gesture because I know both girls have limited english skills. I happy if any child shows any level of desire to try to use the language. It's technically what I'm here for afterall.

Now, being the teacher, what did I do?

I copied the notes on paper, corrected them, then gave the corrected versions back to the girls. They were actually happy once I gave them back.

However, what bothered me most is that despite the fact that there is a big name tag on my desk, they still got my name wrong.

It doesn't matter, I keep both notes stuck on my desk. Something I have noticed that the kids take pride in.

Take A Picture, It Will Last Longer

It’s official, I have a visitor in a few days. My friend Brian is coming in from GA to visit for a few days. This shall be epic. I might also have another friend coming at the end of the month, but it’s not set in stone yet. I shall say it’s about 70% sure for the second visit.

I’m happy for getting any kind of visits. I do miss my people from back home. I love it here and I’ve met some great people, but all my friends are important to me. I don’t forget those who have been around and I try my hardest to keep up with people. I admit it’s tough because you run into a lot of people in life. I’m grateful for those who have made it this far with me. You don’t know where life will take you and those who are around you. I’m sure this is why I take so many pictures whenever I go somewhere.

I’ve never been one to believe in living in the past but perhaps the picture taking is my way of creating a record. I can’t remember everything and memories fade. I think that carrying a camera around is about as important as carrying around a cell phone, a pen or my wallet. Plus it appeals to my observant nature. I like to watch, I like to see things unfold. Perhaps I missed my calling as a photojournalist.