Another school year is in the books. The only thing that stands between me and ultimate summer liberation is post planning. I must say that this has been a very difficult school year. So much has happened both at work and in my personal life, there were times I just wanted to throw in the towel. This is another small victory. Score one for the home team right?
It's almost been a year since I got this job. My perspective is completely different. Teaching in St. Johns County last year was a polar opposite experience. I was a high school choir director teaching white high school kids how to sing. I've spent this year in Duval County as an elementary music teacher teaching African-American children anything and everything I can offer about general music. I told you they are polar opposite experiences. The side of town I teach in is considered the "bad" part of town. I got caught up in a gang war (literally), witnessed parents give their only attention to their children in the form of a back hand, and saw and heard things from these children only grown folk should do and say. It was hard to teach these children about music when they mostly needed an education in life. I made many great friends in the forms of both teachers and students. I took K-3 students from Carver to the symphony and even put on a concert or two. It's difficult being a music teacher in a district that doesn't take the arts seriously. I didn't waste my time trying to convince the people in charge that music can change lives. I only tried to convince the students that the arts can do so. Just ask Terrence, one of my 3rd graders. He'll tell you up and down that violins told him music can change lives. Isn't that amazing? Even a 3rd grader can tell you the power of music while the DOE can't or won't even open their hearts and minds. It must be nice and safe only concerning oneself with stats and numbers. These students are so much more than an acronym. They are the bravest people I've ever met.
I offered everything that I possibly could, but it can only go so far. Until we as people start recognizing what needs to be done, life for children like these will not change. Yes, funding does help. Yes, new programs work wonders and grant new opportunities. What else can we do right? How about love? Chuckle and call it cliche if you want, but I'm serious. A little love can go a long way. SHOW people that you care. Show someone who you don't even know, who has never experienced what it is, what life can be like when someone is in your corner. You can't just throw money at these things. Funding and new programs are nothing more to these children than a faceless wonder. When they see you there, when they throw everything they have at you, when they consistently disobey and beat each other up, and you're STILL there...they may not thank you, but they know. A child is much more perseptive than we give them credit for. These children are no different and some are being denied a future due to a missing ingredient.
Now I'm not saying everyone take up arms and rush to their nearest hood and start giving everyone hugs. Some members of these communities are dangerous and will mess you up real good if they don't know who you are. The only thing I'm asking is that we all take a step back and evaluate ourselves. Who are we really? How can you give back and contribute? Maybe it's a smile at a complete stranger. Maybe it's opening a door for the little old lady walking slowly out of your neighborhood Publix. Whatever it is, money alone cannot cure a broken spirit.
My twin brother Daniel has been teaching in this area for two years. His experience has been more consistent than mine. Today he told me that when you go into that area, the chances of you changing things are very low. However, the chances of that area changing you are extremely high. He's right and I'm glad that it did.
