June 26, 2008

• Work

  Those of you who have read this blog for a long time know I work with troubled, teen boys as a teachers aide.  Sometimes I also work with the same boys as a " chemical dependance technician."   Which is really a glorified way of saying babysitter for bad boys. 
  This summer only a select few got to work for the school, and Safeway, the facility I work for, only gave me 5 days of work in one month.  I am relatively sure the reason I was not chosen as a select teacher's aide is because of the jerk teacher I work with. 
  
  So as uncharacteristic as it is, I was resourceful and found another teacher's aide position at the high school.  Unfortunately, and very characteristically, this gig only lasts until July1st.
  
  The position at the high school has been a welcome change from the bad boys and my coworkers at Safeway. 
  I am working with the incoming freshman, as part of the enrichment program.  This is  fancy wording for summer school for lower functioning kids.  In one of the groups there is a teacher and two teacher's aides because three of the kids are special needs. One of the kids, I'll call him Andrew, because that's his name, is so delightful.  Now delightful is not a word I usually use, and would probably make fun of that word if someone else used it, but it really applies here. 
  
  Normally, I have to say, special needs kids are not my forte.  I  think it's a gift some people have, and I'm not sure I have it, which is why it's good the three kids have their own aide who is great. 
  
  Andrew just makes me laugh though, I am starting to really get attached to this kid.  I first noticed him when we, as in they, played dodge ball.  Andrew had no idea how to play.  He walked around oblivious to the balls that were coming at him.  He didn't try and duck, he didn't throw any back, he just walked around with his arms flailing and had the best time.  The funny part was he never got hit.  He even turned his back to the ball, and still it went sailing by.  Like I said, he didn't know how to play, but he had the best time. 
  
  Andrew wears the same thing everyday.  A red Tee shirt, shorts, white knee socks, and gym shoes.  His aide suggested to him that he might ask mom to mix it up a bit, and wear something else, but we're on week three and he still shows up in the same clothes. 
  
  Today I said " Andrew, I thought Miss Kelly told you to wear something else sometimes"  He said, "  I'm not talking to you because I am getting a tetanus shot today"  Well, he told me I guess.
  
  Today in speech the kids had to do  demonstration speeches.  They pretty much sucked, but Andrew decided to give them all high ratings.  He was not told to rate the kids, but he really felt compelled.  He listened quietly then he would say something like  " your a star ___  I give you a 12."    Although, he didn't say whether it was 12 out of 12 or 12 out of 40, his enthusiasm told us it was good. 
  One kid seemed hurt that he only got a 3, but then Andrew changed it to a 14, so it was all good.
  
  The staff there does not allow disrespect, and I am treated with respect and as a professional, which is weird and new for me.   They also call me Mrs. Expunge, not Miss Laura.  I really think that makes a difference too, and may have the bad boys start calling me Mrs. E. 
  
  I am dreading July and working for Safeway, even though he at least gave me more than five days.  I am also thinking of writing the teacher a letter, before school starts, although that could backfire on me.
  
  I am turning 48 on Monday and I think I'll bring the kids donuts, even though I can't have any. 
  
  In other news, my grandmothers funeral was very nice, and after a couple xanax I spoke.  I can't remember what I said, but I was told I did a good job, so I'm glad I could honor her.
  

  • 6:37 pm
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