As many of you know, I often equate my job with an abusive relationship. But, I have been rethinking this erroneous analogy, and even though I have yet to conjure the perfect comparison, I know this is an unfair judgment. I won't ever say that again. Promise.
I mean, that photo up above showing water quality testing happening on the
Anacostia River is how I spent last Friday. Worlds collided for me as we boarded the Half Shell with
Living Classrooms Foundation DC. There are many days when I long for some
gettin' dirty outdoor work, such as my old job on that
Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat...
...enough dreaming of previous lives, back to my current job. A few months ago I decided to accept a new position at my
school and since have felt a resurgence of passion for teaching at this school. Those other photos up there illustrate one of my school's proudest days so far. Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy had its first
graduation! Chavez only accepted ninth and tenth graders the first year, and 15 scholars made it all the way to the diploma. As I sat at graduation donning a black robe, I remembered (around March I was wondering...) why I care about Chavez scholars enough to put up with this incredibly stressful and time-consuming career. Next year will be monumental for not only the 2
nd senior class, but selfishly for me too, for that class consists of the scholars I worked with when I began working at Chavez. Watching those crazy kids walk and shake on the fact that they broke down numerous stereotypes will produce tears of joy. Lots of tears.
Classes end this Friday and only a few meetings happen next week. And then...
...Summer Fun:
I'm flying to Denver to present at
this conference with
Simon. This excursion will foster professional and spiritual growth-- for, we will spend 5 days breathing in Colorado air, will present for 2 hours, then will head to
Rocky National Park for hiking with
Mario. Great.
Then, I am heading south for the rest of the summer. A few months ago I was spending oodles of time researching and applying for "things" to do over the summer weeks off.
Coulda spent 6 weeks with rich high school kids in Egypt,
coulda volunteered with
Ashoka,
coulda taught summer school...but, I finally turned all of those
coulda's down for some time on a Spanish-speaking beach. I cashed in my travel voucher with
Taca Airlines for a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. I only know that I am flying into San Jose, attending my
great friend's and
cousin's wedding on August 11
th, and flying out of San Jose. The rest is to be determined...
...So, do tell! If you were about to board a plane that would land in Costa Rica, what would you do? I have four weeks and am seeking your first-hand experiences!
