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A Day of AVID

My first full day back at school was today's day of AVID.  AVID is basically a program for low income, high minority, and first generation college students (a combination of these classifications).  Today was a day set aside for talking about the summer institute, planning for next year, and putting together binders to sell as an AVID fundraiser (for college visits and family nights).  The administrator in charge aggravates me.  During our meeting this morning, it was easy to see that there were no plans for tonight's parent night.  Since I refuse to be part of something that is not planned and is going to go horribly, I quit the day around 4:15 instead of remaining for the parent night.  After the meeting we (another girl and I) started to organize the materials for the binder production.  Without going into details (such as paper not being ordered, folders not being punched, etc.), let's say there was no thought into this process.  The two of us (and our wonderful secretary) organized the needed materials for the process.  When the kids came, it was ready.  This is also when I remembered why I do what I do.  Although three of the six adults present today drive me absolutely crazy (reason I'm going to the gym tonight instead of remaining at school), the kids are the best.

Flatiron Building NYC (not the same picture used in class)
These young adults worked hard, had fun and followed directions while conversing with the adults.  I love this age!  One young man was talking about going to New York City before school started.  He talked about a picture from NYC that he saw in my class (we write about a picture every Wednesday).  When his dad asked him where he wanted to go, he remembered the picture and said NYC.  All of the stress of working with the adults faded although I'm sure he didn't realize what he had done.  This year is going to be stressful, but it will be fine if I spend more time with students than I do with adults.  It will be OK.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Yes, I too often have to bring myself back to why I do what I do - the young adults who will have a whole new world opened to them by coming to receive instruction in the buildings I am part of - and not the red tape and bureaucracy of getting them built.
Keep up the great work!
11:29 AM
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