The guest blogger today is Kathleen Knowles, SSJ. Last June, Kathy finished working as a classroom teacher at an alternative school in the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Being a teacher can be an education! I have worked with hundreds of students during the past twenty-plus years, and have had many experiences that I never would have imagined when I began teaching forty-three years ago.
I learned to answer questions about pre natal care with seeming ease, to recognize illegal drug categories, gang colors, symbols, and signs. I listened to young people who questioned their sexual identity, comforted students whose parent, sibling, or friend died as a result of a drug overdose, physical violence, or AIDS. I attended too many wakes and funerals of former students, visited correctional facilities, and grew to have a sense of what life without parole means to a young man and his family.
Through all these experiences, I have been surrounded by young people who are strong and resilient. They have reinforced for me the immeasurable value of humor. They know what they want and don't hesitate to verbalize it. They have a sense of openness -- they don't mind saying, "This is the first book I've ever read." or asking, "Are you really a nun?" Their kindness and gentleness can be seen, just ask the retired sisters at Mont Marie. I will always treasure these students and the lessons they have taught me. It's been a remarkable education!
0 comments:
Post a Comment