Today one of my classes was cancelled. I decided to utilize the extra time by getting a bunch of math assignments done, so I spent 3 straight hours in the Algebra Skills Lab (ASL). Which is where this story takes place. For a little background, Math 10 (a.k.a Nitro Math) students were given a quiz on Tuesday which was due today. To receive full credit on the quiz, you had to come to the ASL and have a teacher initial it.
Cut to this morning about 9:55am. There I am sitting with my book open, my calculator out and (I'm pretty sure a ream of) scratch paper scattered about in front of me. In a 10 minute span 5 different 18-22 year olds came up and asked me for my initials. They thought I was a teacher working in the ASL...nice!
Here are the two main reasons this story makes me want to nut punch 18-22 year olds around the world...well at least the ones rushing to the ASL 5 minutes before their quiz is due.
1. I get it, I look older than your average college student, that I understand, but what blows my mind is the fact that I was clearly playing the part of "student" when they came up and asked me for my initials. Seriously, how many college math teachers sit in the ASL with a calculator and a rainforests worth of scrap paper in front of them, struggling over math problems that most 6th graders find a bit boring??? I mean really look around you and consider that maybe this "old lady" is studying. Morons!
2. I recognized one of the "kids"! He's from Darlington, his cousins are my cousins. I remember when he was just a bulletin board in his mother's classroom. Some of you know who I'm talking about right? Tanner Havens asked me for my initials!
Yeah, I can't believe he had not one seconds hesitation...a quick glimpse like..."Wait, she looks kind of familiar?! Maybe I saw her at one the the 20 years worth of musicals and plays I've been to, or did I see her at Carson's(...Rayna's...Kalee's...take your pick of whatever Crist kid) graduation party? Nope...nada.
Wait...maybe he was just "acting" like he didn't know me! Yeah, yeah that must be it...it's totally not because I'm old, completely forgettable and have been away from Darlington so long that a generation of "kids" have NO clue who I am!
Looks like I'm gonna have to do a little PR in Darlington. Apparently, having your brother urinate off of a building next to a cop doesn't give you the same kind of street cred it once would have....thanks for nothing Jed!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 2...
I love what getting older does for people. Aging gives most people self-awareness, and self-awareness is a good thing! Age uncovers the parts of yourself that are real and should be tightly embraced. While at the same time it highlights the parts that don't feel right anymore and encourages being true to who you really are.
In the last few years, I've done that a lot. I've come to love parts of who I am, and I've let go of some of the shit. Shit, I thought was real. Leftover shit from my parents, teachers, or from my own insecurities. Wherever it came from, it was keeping me from doing what deep down I really wanted to do.
Going to school, for example, is one of those things. For years, I used bad-timing and lack of money as excuses for not going back, but at the core of it, I just didn't think I could handle it. I wasn't smart enough. I wasn't college material.
I was aware of my gifts...swearing, making people laugh, nursing babies, eating chips, making lasting friendships, driving well over the posted speed limit, and did I mention swearing, but I was not a smart person. That's my brother Eric's gift. He is college material. He has the ability to learn and figure things out...not me...I'm just funny.
For 32 years, that's what I believed.
Before I go any further, I need to make this clear...Eric's really smart, and I'm in no way comparing my IQ (or whatever) to his. He is gifted, and although he can't beat my swear-words per minute record, he has amazing abilities!
The point is as I get older, I'm amazed at how often I realize how completely different I am, as opposed to who I thought I was. Age & experience help me recognize when I'm clinging to the familiar old story instead of seeing what is actually there.
A capable person........who can eat lots of Doritos..........while driving really fast.
In the last few years, I've done that a lot. I've come to love parts of who I am, and I've let go of some of the shit. Shit, I thought was real. Leftover shit from my parents, teachers, or from my own insecurities. Wherever it came from, it was keeping me from doing what deep down I really wanted to do.
Going to school, for example, is one of those things. For years, I used bad-timing and lack of money as excuses for not going back, but at the core of it, I just didn't think I could handle it. I wasn't smart enough. I wasn't college material.
I was aware of my gifts...swearing, making people laugh, nursing babies, eating chips, making lasting friendships, driving well over the posted speed limit, and did I mention swearing, but I was not a smart person. That's my brother Eric's gift. He is college material. He has the ability to learn and figure things out...not me...I'm just funny.
For 32 years, that's what I believed.
Before I go any further, I need to make this clear...Eric's really smart, and I'm in no way comparing my IQ (or whatever) to his. He is gifted, and although he can't beat my swear-words per minute record, he has amazing abilities!
The point is as I get older, I'm amazed at how often I realize how completely different I am, as opposed to who I thought I was. Age & experience help me recognize when I'm clinging to the familiar old story instead of seeing what is actually there.
A capable person........who can eat lots of Doritos..........while driving really fast.
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