Blessings Amidst Frustration: An Educator's Anecdote

Sometimes we forget why God has led us on our respective journeys, and we can find ourselves lamenting on our decisions, our struggles and doubting the path before us. But I have learned that there are messages in the mundane, everyday moments. There are instances were we overlook the gratitude for the simple things that serve as reminders as to what set us on the path un the first pace.
This was a BIG reminder, had to share... ‪#‎anecdote‬ ‪#‎student‬ ‪#‎teachers‬‪#‎blessings‬ ‪#‎college‬

...4 weeks into the semester, 10 mins into class, a man walked in and handed one of my students a stack of textbooks. I never saw that man before, he came in discreetly & respectfully, then left while I continued my lecture. Student guests are not permitted, but I figured he was from the bookstore or something.

This kid is a typical DC student, tattoos on his face, needs quite a bit of scaffolding to be able to function on the college level, one who matriculated trough the flawed urban school system. Now he is in a remedial course I teach and he is interning on a political campaign this semester.  This student is quite articulate, soft spoken and engaged in learning. It often bothers me at how easy it could be for someone not accustomed to working with young black students to stereotype this young man based on his outward appearance. He sits at the front, furiously taking notes and asking questions, aways on time and chats with me after class... (the next class is always waiting for us to finish because all my students want to stay back and talk about the reading/lesson etc!)

After that class the student came up to me so he could apologize for the interruption.  He explained that was his former high school Principal who just bought all the books for him since he could not afford to but textbooks this semester. The school staff, teachers and Principal made a collection and purchased his books. He said they told him to come to them if he ever needed anything, because they are determined to see him through college completion. Could you imagine, a family of faculty, admin and staff in a struggling urban school gathering funds for this student, and probably more like him who cannot afford the basic things that most college kids take for granted. 

while we talked I told him to write (not email) a thank you note and he said "thanks for that idea, a written thank you card is so classy just like you!!" I KNOW awww :')

In our profession, particularly in the data driven, standardized testing culture of late... it is easy to forget that educators do so much more for kids than 'teach.' We serve as mentors, examples, motivators, counselors, leaders and most importantly family. I could go through various times where I was astounded by the circumstances, experiences and stories of my urban students. It is partially a miracle that they make it out of the city, nevertheless to college. 

When I was an urban HS teacher I always kept snacks, cup of noodles, power bars because I knew some kids could not buy the 35 cent lunch, and were probably going home to no food either. I would listen to students talk about their lives (death, violence, poverty), and dealing with things the average American has not been through by luck or fate or zip code. Sure there are countless diamonds that need polishing, but urban kids are the rocks than never make it out of the mine. 

I've never had a school system fail me, never witnessed my friends get shot, never buried a child or teenager, never witnessed the myriad of violence and dysfunction that causes so many kids to get lost in the system, die in the street, or not be able matriculate to college. I never was a teen statistic, never needed help with retention, remediation, financial aid or any of the resources students of this demographic need. 

Being an educator is not enough for these kids. It is not enough that they just 'make it to college.'
This is one young man out of thousands in this city, this year, this semester, who has made it to University, yet still has obstacles in his path to success and would probably have many more in his way. Retention would be a miracle. I truly pray that he, my former students and the countless like him current in this system not only graduate but become flourishing citizens. 

Despite my frustration with this Doctorate, I am constantly reminded that it will be worth all the tears, struggles, expense, sacrifices etc. I am truly grateful for my team (supportive family and friends) and for moments like the one I described that keep me grounded and push me through to the next phase of success. 

Thanks for reading!!!