by Jose on June 24, 2007 · 1 comment
in Uncategorized
Today marks 2 years after I last saw Jamal James, former president of Syracuse University’s student government in 2001 and active member of the SU community. I had walked around the Pride parade in NYC that day and as I turned on West 4th, I saw him and a friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in ages. Little did any of us know that that would be the last parade he’d ever attend. Sadly, he was found dead in his apartment building three weeks after that moment. I was never tight with him, but to know that I was one of the last people to see him on this Earth really hit me hard.
I attended the wake, hoping to at least show support as a fellow Black SU alum. What I found was a huge following of people who loved him for just him. Exes, roommates, classmates, family, and friends just wanted to pay the greatest tribute to him. They did this regardless of his color or sexual orientation. Just then it hit me: how does one disregard those elements of the person if that’s what made him who he was?
For that matter, how does anyone disregard or say “in spite of” about anyone’s sexual orientation or color? And how do we tell ourselves that we’re against any sort of prejudice yet neglect our friends and family of the LGBT community? How can we act as if a certain person’s relationship with another adult is not love just because it’s with someone of the same sex? One of the more memorable characteristics about Jamal was his flamboyance and energy as he ran around the student government office in Syracuse. His personality, hence, wasn’t a “despite” but a “because.”
Today, I walked around the Pride parade, in memory of this acquaintance, knowing that, as far as I see, we’re not any closer to taking hate crimes like the one against this man more seriously than we did two years ago. R.I.P. Jamal James …
jose, in the name of love …
by Jose on June 20, 2007 · 3 comments
in Uncategorized
I love existential titles; don’t you?
Well two days ago, I completed my greatest public speaking gig I’ve ever had. I spoke for the NYC Teaching Fellows in front of 2000 or so people, most of which were new teachers in the program. I was anxious about 10 minutes before I had to make the speech, but next thing I know, I’m in the middle of speaking to all these teachers who really haven’t the slightest as to what they’re getting into.
It’s been a full circle trip for me. Two years ago, as part of Cohort 10, I was a new fresh face to the program, nervous but excited about this new career I got into. Now after those two wild years, I stood before them to share my story about how things are in the classroom.
I tried not to paint an extremely rosy picture, but I also laced it with the idealism that’s gotten me through the past two years (and will definitely get me through the next few years). Because of this program, I was given a chance I didn’t even think I had. I had thought about becoming a teacher ever since I was in college, but to become one (and one that people really love) is a whole ‘nother ballgame.
As for the speech itself, that went well. I spoke about the endless possibilities for students to achieve in urban schools and how I turned my life experience into a career in turning kids lives through the program. Of course, that sounds like candy to any teacher’s ears, but I also did my best to explain (especially for those not from urban communities) that it will be difficult, and that my example is only a snippet of what they should expect. After all, we can’t scare them off on opening week.
I really hope those 2000 or so student teachers come into our school system with the mentality that they’re not there to save the kids, but accept them for who they are and let them reach their own potential. Definite difference.
By the way, if you’re a Fellow who just found me, or just a new teacher in general, shoot me a message; I’ll be around …
jose, the new oldie …
by Jose on June 8, 2007 · 3 comments
in Uncategorized
I was riding the train with a rookie teacher who, despite her numerous issues with authorities and her own personal business, has done very well, and seems to be growing into a good teacher. After a conversation about the state of our school, I asked her why she stayed in this profession then and what she actually likes about this profession, and she says with the twinkly little eyes of a newbie,
“It’s because of the children. It’s because of their vast potential and knowing that they deserve better. We go on a trip and it’s not well planned. We wouldn’t want that for ourselves, so why do the kids have that? The kids don’t deserve that. I want to see them have a good future …”
And I interrupted with a semi-sarcastic “AWWWW,” my usual way of deflecting seriousness of certain matters. Honestly, it reminded me of why I teach, and why I got into the profession in the first place. In spite of all the bull I have to constantly sift through, all the blame, none of the props, and the everlasting job-related fatigue, I still teach.
That’s the thing that very few people get. It’s that mix of idealism with a dash of realism. It keeps this teacher, and teachers like the one I just spoke of, keepin’ on with the keepin’ on …
jose, who’s going to have a gooooood weekend
p.s. – I didn’t know the kids have to be BRIBED into scoring better on their English / Language Arts and Math State Tests. Maybe we should just give them hints on all of their tests. Then again, maybe not.
