kiddos

i'm not entirely sure when, how, or where i decided that i like working with kids. in education. it must've happened unintentionally because as a student of science, i never really thought i'd be a teacher instead. i liked -- rather, loved -- school, but college made me really frustrated, and i think i became jaded with education and schooling: the system, the expectations, the routine. it doesn't fit everyone, it doesn't work perfectly, and it doesn't allow for much variation or differences.

but alas, somewhere along the way, i decided that kiddos were much better for my workday than lab specimens and white coats. and i'm pretty glad that i decided that. it's a rare instance that i make such a significant decision, even one that seemed to have just happened... :)

i had one of the best hour-long conversations with naveen yesterday, about his aphrodite play and the ensuing drama of a 5th grade... drama. and me and daniel sat on the floor for 10 minutes and ate pasta together today. and kate gave me the best "duh" look ever when i asked her what "synchro" was. and dongwoo rolled his eyes because i don't know anything about nintendo ds's. and venus and jared, hoo boy. and i find the tacky wardrobes and bowlcuts SO awesome and reminiscent of my past. last week, tiny amirtha totally blew me away with her excitement about the sheep eyeball, and i discovered -- after much difficulty and hours of grumbles and anger -- that jacob is just a sweet, chubby kid who's trying to learn and fit in... and have enough confidence to start something big. dylan too. they surprise me all the time, and delight, and challenge. and their parents, oh man, their parents too. and it's only the THIRD week so far! well, 3rd week of the 4th year.

and my staff are amazing. they're focused and worried and dedicated and fair and funny and ridiculous. they lead and trail, they support and encourage. and they are freaking hilarious.

summer camp, who knew you were so special...!

oh but i don't think i'll miss the 70-hour weeks.