A Little Futbol, Miss?

I can predict it down to the second. As soon as I set foot into the cafeteria for high school lunch duty, my eyes meet those of a ninth grade boy's.

"Miss?"

I look at him steadily. I sigh. Finally, I give in.

"Yes, Alejandro?"

I just know the next question that awaits me; I see it in his eyes.

"Miss, can you take us outside?"

As the exchange ensues, a group of ninth grade boys gather around him like a flock of vultures, eagerly awaiting my response, ready to pick it apart at the drop of a hat.

I weigh the choices in my mind. Do I really want to get hot and sweaty outside, watching these kids kick around a soccer ball? Do I really want to run the risk of getting hit in the head while watching them?

Do I really have a choice? Not really. I look at my watch, and then I look at the group-- Alejandro, Ramiro, Miguel, Adolio...they're all pleading with their eyes.

I sigh again. And finally, I relent, although really, I had acquiesed silently when Alejandro first approached me.

"Okay. Meet me out on the deck-- ALL of you-- in two minutes. And don't bring any food out to the field with you!"

Joy is instantaneous as the boys disperse to look for the others. In the classroom, it's harder to rein in such energy with such immediacy. The boys (and a couple of girls) tag along with me to the front field, books, shoes, and ball in tow. It only takes a few moments for them to assemble themselves on the field. Slender Alejandra keeps up with her male counterparts easily.

"Mira, mira!"

It's hard to see in the blinding afternoon sunshine. Freddy is a blur on the field as he kicks the ball to one of the boys. For a while, all I hear are the sounds of an intense soccer game-- the thudding of cleats against the ball, the cuts through the short grass, and the concentrated shouts from the players on the field.

I feel their freedom. They have completely forgotten about the worries of the day-- their detentions, their unfinished homework, their run-ins with a teacher from first period. Finally, I let myself go. What is there to worry about when there is soccer to be played?

Then, the bell rings for the next period to begin. My students reluctantly play their final point and then slowly gather themselves, tucking in uniform shirts, trudging across the field to the rows of portables awaiting them.

One lingers behind slightly. As he gathers his bag, he turns to look at me and say nonchalantly:

"Thanks, Miss."

Bad Dreams

Some people have nightmares where they are in a large public space with people milling about-- the school hallway, a mall, the office. All of a sudden, they realize they are stark naked among all these people!

So...I wasn't reliving a nightmare this morning, but one can feel pretty naked if today is professional dress day at work, and...

I woke up an hour late this morning, so I ran to the shower, threw on some clothes (I couldn't find anything fun to wear but made do with my khakis and green pullover), and rushed out the door. It usually takes 30 minutes to drive to school from home, and I was pretty engrossed in public radio as I was driving. I was stopped at the red light off the feeder. The yellow Goodman bus was idling next to me; in the rearview mirror, I could see my co-worker tossing her hair.

The instant I looked at her, the light turned green for me to go. I passed the bus, but as I took one last glance at my coworker, I realized that today was professional dress day.

Oops.

I rolled into the parking lot as quietly as I could and tried to slide into the College Corner without catching as much attention as possible. This is as close as I'll get to have a bad dream coming true. (I hope!)

I've Learned...

My students are pretty insightful. They have an intensity that I wish I could regain as I grow older.

Currently we're preparing to write a personal essay modeled off National Public Radio's This I Believe segment, where both young and old write and voice essays about their life beliefs and insights. We haven't written much yet (except to freewrite thoughts), but today we did write and share statements in class about something each of us has learned in life. Here is a sampling:

I’ve learned that life should be valued more and not get thrown away by doing drugs or drinking alcohol.

I’ve learned that how much you put into something it gives back to you in some way.

I’ve learned that life is hard…

I’ve learned that day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different.

I’ve learned that you don’t miss anyone until they are gone.

I’ve learned that when you have a chance to do something that you should go for it.

I’ve learned not to take people for granted, because you never know when they will be gone.

I’ve learned that life will always be hard but you can always enjoy its small gifts.

I’ve learned that a little kindness goes a long way.

I’ve learned that at times your best friends could be your worst enemies.

I’ve learned that when life puts you down, you have to turn it around.

I’ve learned that the key to happiness starts within yourself.

I’ve learned that if you lie to others, not only are you fooling them, you are fooling yourself.

I’ve learned that a small comment can affect someone’s perspective about you.

I’ve learned that it takes a strong man to cry, but an even stronger one to hold it in.

I’ve learned that I won’t fail myself if I don’t give up, and nothing can defeat me.

I’ve learned that freedom of religion does have restrictions.

I’ve learned that we shouldn’t wait until tomorrow to accomplish something because tomorrow might never come.

I’ve learned that smiling makes others happier than you think.

I’ve learned that it’s never too late to do something you believe is right.

I’ve learned to always smile.

What have you learned in life? Feel free to share comments and stories here.