Tomorrow I'm meeting with all of the teacher's assistants for the first time - all 25 of them. We're going over all of the basic duties and policies that they'll need to know and live by for the next eight weeks. I'm excited to finally get to know them better and interact with them outside of the interview setting where they were feeding us textbook answers. I didn't really pay attention to what they were saying, but really how they were saying it and their body language and such. I noticed that a lot of them were very nervous and shy; some were outspoken, especially when it came to why they were there (my favorite responses were that "I want to see how my parents suffer" and also "This is good birth control for me to prevent me from having sex before I'm really prepared." From the mouths of babes, yeah?)
Anywho, the majority of them have been here before and have worked with the people here; because of that I'm also hearing some of their back story on the way that they behaved last year and if they're really here to work for the children or if they're here to please their parents and college admissions offices. A lot of them were insecure in their answers, a lot of people identified as followers. The ones that were apparently really frustrating to work with last year seemed to be the most insecure about their answers and choices. I don't know if I'm just looking too much into these kid's situations, but it seems that maybe they really haven't been put into a position of authority or responsibility (especially the kids whose parent's filled out their paperwork for them ;D), but I hope that being in charge of children will help to create another layer to them of self respect and responsibility. Maybe I'm too naive or gullible, but I hope that this experience will really allow them see this as a way to personally grow and not just for their parents.
I'm also glad that I got to talk to my family this past weekend, and I've realized how much I miss them and really really love them. And also for my friends, especially the new ones that I've made through this program. I pray that all of these amazing, courageous, joyful, inspiring, loving, giving, serving people continue to find balance and joy in their lives, and God willing I hope to be a part of that experience.
Peace.
Anywho, the majority of them have been here before and have worked with the people here; because of that I'm also hearing some of their back story on the way that they behaved last year and if they're really here to work for the children or if they're here to please their parents and college admissions offices. A lot of them were insecure in their answers, a lot of people identified as followers. The ones that were apparently really frustrating to work with last year seemed to be the most insecure about their answers and choices. I don't know if I'm just looking too much into these kid's situations, but it seems that maybe they really haven't been put into a position of authority or responsibility (especially the kids whose parent's filled out their paperwork for them ;D), but I hope that being in charge of children will help to create another layer to them of self respect and responsibility. Maybe I'm too naive or gullible, but I hope that this experience will really allow them see this as a way to personally grow and not just for their parents.
I'm also glad that I got to talk to my family this past weekend, and I've realized how much I miss them and really really love them. And also for my friends, especially the new ones that I've made through this program. I pray that all of these amazing, courageous, joyful, inspiring, loving, giving, serving people continue to find balance and joy in their lives, and God willing I hope to be a part of that experience.
Peace.
1 comment:
Hey Mayjean, I know you are busy -- but it sounds like you are having a blast. I am really proud of you and the work that you are doing. I just want you to know I that I check in on you from time to time. Continue to have fun, learn and grow. We miss you.
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