The scene: my first day volunteering at the Student Run Health Clinic.
I've completed my ENT exam and am reporting to the supervisor. She is about to sign off when she sees my name.
"Hmmmm SP....I've heard that name before.....did you do something recently? Did you win an award?"
If there ever was a time for my eyes to glint, this was it. "I'm the President of the Class of 2014."
She smiles: "I suppose I will be seeing much more of you in the future. I'll remember you."
Remember my name. I remember yours.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Passing the torch
Elections are over, and suddenly there is a group of people who can help me.
I really appreciate the ability to delegate. I've usually had a bit of trepidation before making any request, as I always recognize the potential for someone to refuse. This has been more prevalent when dealing with stubborn administration and old fashioned students. They are very content with what they have and are not as receptive to change, good or bad. Usually, I simply do the work without asking. I become stronger, I get results, when I do things myself.
But I've been lucky enough that the other elected students are people that I connect with. We have a similar vision to what we wish to accomplish in our role and thus understand and support each others' efforts. Because of this, I trust them to accomplish tasks that I traditionally would have done myself.
As a tourguide, I have the chance to share with potential students a pep talk near the end. Here's what I say:
"I hope you enjoyed the tour of our school's buildings and facilities. However, unfortunately we did not get a chance to see the best part of the school. But that's something that no one can see, only experience. The best part of the school is the student sitting beside you. We have diversity that connects us, strengthens us, and sustains us through midnight cram sessions and sleep deprived mornings. We have a community where students share notes, where students confess academic difficulties, where students trust and work with each other. That's what makes the school great...and I hope you get the chance to be a part of that. Good luck with interviews!"
I really appreciate the ability to delegate. I've usually had a bit of trepidation before making any request, as I always recognize the potential for someone to refuse. This has been more prevalent when dealing with stubborn administration and old fashioned students. They are very content with what they have and are not as receptive to change, good or bad. Usually, I simply do the work without asking. I become stronger, I get results, when I do things myself.
But I've been lucky enough that the other elected students are people that I connect with. We have a similar vision to what we wish to accomplish in our role and thus understand and support each others' efforts. Because of this, I trust them to accomplish tasks that I traditionally would have done myself.
As a tourguide, I have the chance to share with potential students a pep talk near the end. Here's what I say:
"I hope you enjoyed the tour of our school's buildings and facilities. However, unfortunately we did not get a chance to see the best part of the school. But that's something that no one can see, only experience. The best part of the school is the student sitting beside you. We have diversity that connects us, strengthens us, and sustains us through midnight cram sessions and sleep deprived mornings. We have a community where students share notes, where students confess academic difficulties, where students trust and work with each other. That's what makes the school great...and I hope you get the chance to be a part of that. Good luck with interviews!"
Friday, October 15, 2010
Child abuse
Being a bystander is so frustrating for me.
I am waiting in the checkout line at Safeway. I see a middleaged white woman walking towards me with an 8ish black girl by her side. They get into line behind me. The girl starts to complain and cry about the juice carton being too heavy. I look at the magazines, trying not to be awkward and stare. And then the woman kicks the girl in the shin.
Instantly I'm on alert. The girl starts to cry more. The woman laughs at her and taunts her tears. "Cry a little harder and those tears just might mean something." The girl asks, "Why are you being so mean today Mom?" and struggles to hold the juice carton.
First I feel awkward. Then shocked. Slowly but surely, I'm furious!
I don't know the background, the circumstances. But there is no situation that deserves this kind of treatment. The future ramifications for such treatment are huge! I want to say something, anything, to either the woman or the child. But what can I possibly say that will make any significant difference?
Finally, I clear some space on the conveyor belt and offer it to them to set their groceries down.
I'm sure I will encounter this sort of situation again. I need a better plan of action for the next time.
I am waiting in the checkout line at Safeway. I see a middleaged white woman walking towards me with an 8ish black girl by her side. They get into line behind me. The girl starts to complain and cry about the juice carton being too heavy. I look at the magazines, trying not to be awkward and stare. And then the woman kicks the girl in the shin.
Instantly I'm on alert. The girl starts to cry more. The woman laughs at her and taunts her tears. "Cry a little harder and those tears just might mean something." The girl asks, "Why are you being so mean today Mom?" and struggles to hold the juice carton.
First I feel awkward. Then shocked. Slowly but surely, I'm furious!
I don't know the background, the circumstances. But there is no situation that deserves this kind of treatment. The future ramifications for such treatment are huge! I want to say something, anything, to either the woman or the child. But what can I possibly say that will make any significant difference?
Finally, I clear some space on the conveyor belt and offer it to them to set their groceries down.
I'm sure I will encounter this sort of situation again. I need a better plan of action for the next time.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hello, Drama!
I can understand emotions. I've certainly felt my share of them, good and bad.
I can understand sulking. When upset, I run away and am antisocial until I kick myself out of it.
I can understand resentment. I've harbored certain grudges for longer than I should, choosing to ignore extenuating circumstances.
I can understand anger. I have a short temper and can remember physically trembling with rage, not too long ago.
I can understand jealousy. I've obsessed over pictures and AIM logs.
What I can't understand is when bystanders condone and cater to these illogical behaviors. If he walks, talks, and acts crazy, treat him like he's crazy.
I can understand sulking. When upset, I run away and am antisocial until I kick myself out of it.
I can understand resentment. I've harbored certain grudges for longer than I should, choosing to ignore extenuating circumstances.
I can understand anger. I have a short temper and can remember physically trembling with rage, not too long ago.
I can understand jealousy. I've obsessed over pictures and AIM logs.
What I can't understand is when bystanders condone and cater to these illogical behaviors. If he walks, talks, and acts crazy, treat him like he's crazy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)