Los Intereses

Dubby is interested in video games. World of Warcraft. Miss Q listened closely as he described his favorite games. But let me back up.

Zefron still hasn't come back. Because of this, there was a unique change in the boy band. Boo (who now speaks to me easy as anything) was a bit bored.

"Can I go make fun of my cousin? She's right over there." Miss Q thought it over.
"I wonder if it's against the Elementary Handbook..."
"That's ok. I'll tease her on the bus."

Dubby took the opportunity to monopolize the conversation. He even was incredible rude to Mook (Dubby doesn't think much of him). But today Miss Q settled for just briefly pointing out his rudeness. And Dubby settled for a sheepish, "Sorry Miss Q". But not sorry about his treatment of Mook and Co-Pilot. Co-Pilot and Dubby are buddies, so now I feel like calling people morons and stuff has become something normal. He almost doesn't think about it.

The reason Miss Q didn't focus on this was because she was learning so much about Dubby. Video games were what made his eyes light up, if maybe not improving his politeness. Violent and complicated ones, too. Not saying I'm jumping with joy, but how interesting. I mean that that was his interest and how much he enjoyed telling Miss Q. Miss Q plans to use this relational time for the future, for when she fully addresses his rudeness.

Fruitbat is interested in comics and owning her own bakery. I imagine she would love being involved with the drama department in my school. At recess we entertained each other by singing any commercial jingle we could come up with.

"At a goodnight sleepstore/ The Rest... It's Up To You!!"

On the way to recess, again, I slowed down to watch the smaller set play for a bit.
"Get off me Malfoy!"

This time they were playing Harry Potter. Hmm. Young as they were. Miss Q talked to Fruitbat about the games she used to play when she was little. She was glad to hear that Fruitbat also had these sort of games with her cousin.

Freakazoid, The Brit, Idaho, Fruitbat, Nala and Miss Q all chattered comfortably near the swings. The way Nala looks at and talks to Miss Q is like the others, but she's looking for more.

"What kind of music do you listen to?"
"Your earrings must be heavy."
"Do you like that t.v show?

It means something to her, to find someone like Miss Q who is like her but is also someone she wants to be like.

Nala's dad taught her to salsa. Miss Q loved that. Miss Q has been wanting to learn for a while now. I swear, these kids are so interesting.

But speaking of interests, there are many things I'd love to learn how to do. And all of them are things that can help me with teaching. I love to do hair. I'm fascinated with it. I love the Gospel and the theology of it. I'm fascinated with that. I love Spanish language and culture and music. If I learn how to salsa dance (it's expensive) then who's to say I can't start a club at the school where I teach and provide free lessons?

I went to a school pep rally today. Music and dancing can do a lot to bring unity to a school, a classroom, Miss Q and some awkward turtles on the swing set. Letting someone touch your hair is a bond. Nala is partial to a fishtail in her hair without being demanding of it. Spanish is becoming the country's second most common language. (Spanish and not French, sillies.)

Nowadays you can learn how to do just about anything using the internet. I'm also interested in computers. The Misses Q always talks about how teachers should use more technology in the classroom. So I'm planning on a computer programming class. I hope all of these things will help me become a better teacher.

In order to be successful, kids need to develop their interests. So I wonder, what is Memphis interested in besides fighting, Eminem, and bein 'raised by the streets?' Is there even anyone at home listening who cares?

Fatherlessness is an interest of mine.

It occured to me that there are always people around me who point out every opportunity available. Oh, you want to work in the medical field? Here's a volunteer program? Here's a program that lets you go to Guatemala for two weeks. Here's a program that helps you create video games for money. Here's this. Here's that. This is how I grew up. I'm especially greatful that I had this in middle school, because otherwise it's like a wasteland where there's nothing to do but gossip or be picked on because there's nothing to do.  Because of these people in my life, I've learned to go out and find things. But anyway, that's my new goal.

Become that person who knows where opportunities are. Because some children frankly don't have relationships the adults who know about these kinds of things. Think about it. It's usually the good kids who that adults naturally mention all the great programs, scholarships, and career paths to. And the ones that need structure the most end up with nothing to do and short shrift from the rest of society as a result. What were up against are children who don't have anyone at home listening to any of their interests. These kids are fending for themselves.