I have had a busy day with a lot on my plate, but the best part of the afternoon was going up to Hamilton to paint. I'm working on Sherlock Holmes right now. As I was painting this afternoon, I had the privilege of overhearing some of the 8th grade students being interviewed for a project that one of the teacher's is working on. I heard 5 different interviews. Here is what I learned:
*These students have a very different experience than what I am familiar with. Most of them spend 1 - 2 hours getting to school using trains, buses and walking. Most of them get up at 5:00 in the morning to get ready and get to school by 8:30.
*School is their place of encouragement - not home or their neighborhood. In fact, most of them spoke of their neighborhood as a dangerous and violent place. They are so thankful that they can get to Hamilton (this is not a fancy part of Chicago) because they feel safe.
*They spoke of their education as being important and good. They all mentioned how much their school has improved since they got their new principal - James Gray - two years ago. One boy said that since Mr. Gray came, everything about the school is better, including the teachers.
*They were asked how they saw their future - Without exception, they all saw their futures as bright. They all aspire to go to college. They are all excited about High School. Isn't that amazing and inspiring?
*They were all thankful for the opportunity to go to school and for the teachers that have made a difference in their lives.
I just wanted to cry listening to them. I'm already asking God what He wants me to do to help. How can I make a difference for these students?
It is such an uphill battle for them. I didn't have to overcome these kinds of things - my children didn't have to overcome these kinds of things. We were not surrounded by violence or scared of gang activity. We had a short drive to school - not a long string of public transportation that took an hour or more. It was humbling and awe inspiring to listen in.
These students make me want to be better - to do better and to make a difference. For that, I am very thankful!
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