the st–dent who was super rude and disrespectful to me came up to me after class last night (after i treated her absolutely politely, because i don’t hold grudges and know of course, that you have to let them know things are ok) and apologized for the way she talked to me. apparently another te–cher and her mother both got on her case about it. so. i accepted it of course, and listened to her and tried to be supportive.

it’s as if i have to deal with one defiant or acting out student at a time, and once they realize they can’t bully me, then they are fine.

actually, another previously disruptive one caught up to me at the elevator on the way in, obviously wanting to talk to me, and was very eager to tell me he’d revised his paper the way i suggested. he said, “yeah, i kinda did it right before class.” and i said “yes, i could tell. and that’s why i made the suggestions i did, because i know you could do better.”

he smiled and i think he meant it when he said “you’re a good te–cher.”

i was surprised by that, because i feel like the worst te–cher ever at the moment. at least, based on what’s been going on. of course, what’s been going on is their behavior issues and not mine. but being the perfectionist that i am, nothing is ever good enough. and really, it has been very demoralizing, all the stuff they’ve been doing. or should i say, not doing? right.

then today at my “real” job, i had two st–dents who have been doing pretty high level research and a presentation project in my libr, for a state contest. they went to the first round today with their te–cher, after we spent the morning double-checking their bibliographies and running around the bldg looking for a printer that worked. it was fairly stressful, and i was worried for them.

they got back in the afternoon and the princ made an announcement that they took FIRST PLACE. of course, their two te–chers helped the most, but i take credit for proper citation, for sure i saw them coming down the stairs and they waved to me and held up their index fingers and were beaming. then they came in and showed me their trophy.

it made much of the crap i’ve been dealing with worth it. or if not worth it, it reminded me why i love to do what i do. and it also made me happy that kids from the inner city, in a scho–l in need of improv–m–nt, took first place. take that you suburbanites

it just proves to me that if you get a decent te–cher, and they have high expectations, the kids CAN and WILL live up to them. for the most part.

did i mention that the poet said he’s looking forward to seeing me next week? i know. i shouldn’t read too much into it. but at least SOMEone’s looking forward to seeing me.

i think i may cave this weekend, and finally buy a new computer. i’ve been eyeing them for awhile now.  so we’ll see.