So, it’s been way too long since I’ve shared my life with
each of you..So, where should I start?
I’m still in Austin trying working at Austin Can Academy. That
school has changed my life and I have never felt such a passion to fight for
social justice, until now. Throughout the year I have built strong
relationships with these students..they are my kids and I will try everything I
can to protect and encourage their potential.
I have students asking me to sow their pants and to write letters to their officers, so they won't have to receive community service. I had a student last week overdose before she came to class and had a stroke in my room during class. She couldn't speak and tears were flowing down her face, the ambulance came and strolled her away..I couldn't sleep that night.
Drugs, abuse, neglect, gangs, murder, starvation...these students know what I have come to fear. I can't explain everything I have seen for my words become haunted. I have become close to my co-workers and distance around others. My thinking has changed. My thoughts are filled with concern and hopes that these students will not be abused, murdered, and/or locked up, rather than what I should eat...I've been listening to rap, due to their lyrics. Now, I know most of you are thinking that rap is trashy and/or vulgar, but that depends on the artist. Over spring break I was listening to Pandora and the rapper Nas came up and I started listening to the lyrics and I stopped and was paralyzed. This rapper was talking about the infiltration of drugs, sex, and abuse that has suffocated his life, this was the first time I could relate to the lyrics for these are the lives of my students...Check out this song, and please, please, listen to the lyrics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FynhOXfHHGM
Growing up, I was never exposed to diversity until walking into this classroom. I'm am true to myself and the students are loving me because of it. A day consist of laughing with students, being cursed out and/or have hateful comments directed towards me, listen to my students, and some days cry. I was walking downtown one night and I heard a student call my name "Ms.C". I walked over, recognized it was a student who dropped out last month. He told me that he is getting his G.E.D, so he could work. He then told me that he passed his Science TAKS test because he remembered everything in my class.. he then said "Ms. C, you're an amazing teacher". I told him that I was extremely proud of his accomplishment and then cried all the way to my car. I told myself "Carlisle, you did what you're called to do, I'm proud of you" It was God telling me to stop and listen to my words.
I got accepted to Grad school and will start this fall for a Masters in Education with a concentration in Science. The educated system is extremely corrupted and by obtained a Masters, I will be able to cause a greater change within the system.
I'm still doing improv and got cast in a couple of troupes and will be performing throughout the summer. I'm also going to take a sewing class as well as start a garden.
I miss those mountain and each of you. Feel free to call and/or email.
This has been the first time I have seen positive change within me and my students...Please, go out and help change this world.
Until next time,
Carlisle
