Some kids never find a voice that can be heard and respected. It is instead lumped into a cacophony of other voices that are labeled a certain way ("athlete," "airhead," "Jesus freak,") and dismissed. The kids behind the labels stop talking. They stop writing stories about how they are afraid of the guy on the other side of the door or the weird shadow they see outside their window at night. They write suicide notes instead, or they beat the hell out of someone who just looked at them wrong, or they tackle someone on the football field and put them in the hospital, or they become "funny" and verbally assassinate any idea (and the attached thinker) that contrasts with their own, or they just fold up and seal themselves away from scrutiny...and each of these misfit voices finds something arbitrary they can hold onto that they trot out when asked for a real, original opinion (something they've been taught isn't worth the risk), a substitute for the thinking they were convinced was irrelevant...and ridiculously money-motivated consumers are the mutations that result. A user doesn't need to think - she just needs sources and resources.
I see the bright eyes of the girl who wrote "Cold Steel," about a girl getting got by a bad guy when she was simply enjoying cheese crackers. I see the dumbfounded look on the athlete's face when he knew I'd actually read his argument and wanted to know how he was going to work out its defense and the answer to the "why I wrote this" question. I see the flaming redhead, hiding behind her glasses, wielder of medieval wars in secret, longing to solve the problem of the War of Lies (which exists presently in reality and in her ancient realm)...and I'm in awe. I want them to tell me how they hate the fact that whole communities exist by scavenging at landfills, suggesting ways in which to help the situation. I want them to tell me how they love the turn of a phrase that makes all the difference, forged by their own hands. I want them to see through their words that there is a reason why we must tell our stories - all of them, the fiction and the truth - because they lead us to understanding ourselves and others. To know me is to love me? Isn't that one of Steinbeck's profound, existential explorations in The Grapes of Wrath? Stories lead us to common ground, words that are nondescript in thought alone, but poetic and life-affirming in the doing.
It begins, as usual, with respect.
3 comments:
you mean to tell me that you actually try to make students think? Well good golly, isn't that contrary to TAKS (teaching to the test)!
Good for you. A teacher that cares. And yes, they can pick up on that very fast and very clear. Kids have a better sense of authenticity than most adults give them credit for. I loved my one year of teaching. The kids were awesome, the administrative BS was not (not to mention the first year teacher salary) ~npp
As one of your current students, I have to say that THIS is why you've already become my favorite teacher.
You respect your students, you understand that we are people, and you don't talk down to us.
Frankly, if I never tell you in person, please know that we notice the difference, and gain more respect for you because you respect us.
1. How often do you write? When you do, what are your purposes?
I used to write quite often, almost everyday, in a journal I kept. But, due to lack of privacy and other issues, I stopped. I wrote for fun, for expression of thoughts, for whatever reason I wanted to.
Now, I have created this blog to try and improve the number of times I write. It is not on paper, therefore cannot be found in my room and read through. It is not necessarily the same as my previous journal, but I appreciate it nevertheless.
2. What is your attitude toward writing? Do you ever do it because you want to?
I love to write. I think it is an incredibile outlet for expression, and such variety! Essays, stories, poems, songs, quotes, the list goes on. Though I don't always appreciate all of the assignments my classes give us, I do like to write just because I want to, when I get time.
3. When you do write, how satisfied are you with what you are able to express (usually, often, sometimes, not usually, never)? What, do you think, contributes to your level of satisfaction?
Typically I find myself writing late at night, when interruptions are not of a constant nature and I can think by myself. I find I am often satisfied with my ability to express my thoughts, but, like most, am not always. I am honestly not really sure what affects this, when I am not able to communicate what I want to say clearly in the written form. But I do know that I often have problems communicating what I feel verbally, in fact most of the time I can't explain myself very well. When I write, it seems to be somewhat easier for me, perhaps because an actual person is not in front of me asking me questions and waiting for answers and such.
4. How concerned are you with others reading your writing (very, somewhat, not really, not at all)?
I am somewhat concerned about others reading my writing. Obviously, I can't be extremely concerned about it when I post on my blog, but at the same time it is usually personal to me. I don't often express my thoughts or emotions, so when I do in my writing, I am always kind of nervous as to the response and who will read it. But, as someone advised to me, to keep this blog, as it might help in my ability to share. We shall see.
5. If you considered yourself a good writer, would you write more?
I'm not sure. I don't consider myself a horrible writer, or a bad one at that, but I do not classify myself as amazing, or great. I write not because I am a good or bad writer, I just do; and however much I write typically depends on the amount of time I have.
6. If you had an opportunity to improve your writing, what specifically would you request help with?
Clarifying and explaining my thoughts so others will be able to understand them quite clearly.
7. What advice about teaching would you give someone trying to help you learn?
Be patient. Patience is a necessity in teaching. As for me, many become pretty frustrated when I try to communicate what is going on/my thoughts, etc because they don't always really understand what it is I'm trying to say. So patience is pretty vital.
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