Parkview

I love today.



I spent my day at Parkview, and I shouldn't have to say anything other than that. I LOVE that school! I had an entire table of students to manage and assist in math in the life skills class, and it went awesomely! Challenging mind you... each of the 6 were on completely different tasks, and I had to be pretty snappy in transitioning from one math task to the next. And not all my students met their goals (what I do is ask them how much they think is fair to complete, and then I tell them what I think would be fair. Sometimes our ideas are the same, sometimes I expect a bit more), but they all gave an awesome effort, and that's all I could as for.

Those students have changed me in great ways. I think I've said that before, but it's worth saying again. They persevere through so much, yet with so little. They make me laugh and I'm very greatful for it. Too much of the time we (I) let ourselves become consumed by ridiculous things that take over our minds in negative ways. Then I talk with one of these students and I am reminded of how petty some things really are. Today, during break time (which is 10 minutes at Parkview... I only got a measly 3 minutes are BR!), I was talking with Ryan. Ryan has Aspergers Syndrome, which is part of the Autism spectrum. This means that Ryan has significantly inhibited social, communication, and academic skills. Ryan said to me: "Christine, I was talking to my dad last night. And I asked him if he could understand me when I talk. And he told me he's lived with me a really long time, and he understands what I am saying. But he said sometimes I mumble. Christine, can you understand me when I talk?" Oh, dude, I totally understand you. How else could I answer your question right now? "But Christine.. sometimes when I talk I can be sloppy, and I mumble, and I stutter, and sometimes people may not be able to understand me. My dad says he understands me, but he always says "What?" when I talk to him. How can he say "what?" and still understand me??" Hmmm... well, you know what Ryan? When I talk to my mom and dad, they know what I am saying too. But, sometimes I can talk really fast, or sometimes I mumble. When I do that, my mom and dad say 'what?' to me, too. But it doesn't mean they don't understand me... all it means is that they didn't hear what I said to them because I wasn't taking my time to talk, that's all. "Oh.. ok Christine. Thank you Christine" (and then we "props'd").

So the above conversation was something you or I may never give a second thought, but it meant SO much to Ryan. So much that he couldn't concentrate on his math work until he got an answer from me. He, as well as the other students, have taught me to consider things I never may have. Using the thoughts and conversations shared with my students, I have been able to consider my own life and living in ways they do for themselves. It's actually pretty cool, and I've learned much about myself as a result. I'm so glad I work in this field!

I also got an amazing review from my supervisor today, and it totally pumped me up for the application/interview process. What would have been even better is them saying, Christine, we've invented a job for you! It's over there on that silver platter... the one with your name engraved on it". I dream a lot...