the things you learn in school
As many of you know, I’ve undertaken a new endeavor…entering a program to become a special education teacher. The program is offered by a local educational consortium that supports public schools in Hartford County, CT. Since being involved in this program, I’ve learned a few things. But my lessons so far have been light, compared to those I learned yesterday.
One of my responsibilities is tutoring at risk children in the city…something I’ve not done much in the past. When tutoring in prior settings, it’s usually been a suburban neighborhood in a nicer community. However, my latest assignment has me driving right into the city of Hartford, into a portion of the city that’s noted for its poverty, violence and lawlessness.
My first visit to the child’s home was yesterday. I drove into his neighborhood and was taken aback by the condition of homes and buildings as I traveled along the streets. Many were burned out, damaged seemingly beyond repair or abandoned. The streets were small--with cars lining each side, parked in front of the homes there were inhabited. People freely crossed from side to side with no thought to the traffic coming for them. The home I visited was stark, old, and cramped. It was a dramatic difference to the big, bright and spacious homes I’m used to visiting.
My tutoring session went on without a hitch, and the child seems eager to learn. He’s a nice boy who did something not too smart in school…something that got him expelled until the end of the year. His grandparents (who are his guardians) offered me dinner, gave me tips on driving through the city to their home, and could not have been more gracious hosts. They insisted on walking me to my car as it was getting dark and they “wanted to make sure I got on the road okay.”
Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself some sort of the question, “what does this have to do with anything at all?” Well, the whole experience (which I’m sure hasn’t been recounted very well) was an eye-opener. I’m not all that far from Hartford…only about 20 minutes or so. I live in a really nice neighborhood of my town, and enjoy peace, quiet, comfort, cleanliness and nice views. But not too far from me, a large number of people are seemingly herded into an area and forgotten. They work hard, try their best and are members of a community. And then they’re treated as 2nd class by members of the ruling parties, treated with disdain as they try to better themselves and in some cases, met with out and out prejudice.
I’m sure I’d find many “bad” people if I explored this area myself. And I’m sure I’d find many “good” people, too. I did yesterday…the family I’m servicing right now wants to improve and do better. Yet they seem to be pushed aside when making attempts. I could get into specifics, but I’d rather not inadvertently identify them here. Suffice it to say, my conversations with them were amazing.
Feel fortunate for what you have…find a way to help someone. Always try to do the right thing with yourself. Somehow, we all need to find a way to make this world a better place.
Any ideas?
