I am so beyond the point of tired right now. My 2nd hour group of sophomores are in here for study hall and I'm just sitting at my desk half asleep.
Yesterday was one of the busiest days I've had. Got to school at my normal time of 6:50 to set out breakfast for the kiddo's. I have first period free so I usuaully go to the computer lab and get stuff accomplished for the day, and catch up on facebook/twitter (shut up, it's productive). I monitored two classes 2nd and 3rd period, did peer mediation 4th period, and set out lunch 5th period. Then I picked up Dave from Matrix, came back to Cristo Rey, and monitored my 8th period study hall. Then creative writing extracurricular, which I loved. I have some really amazing writers and am looking forward to having them share their work with me.
After school myself, Jon, Dave, and Hannah jetted off to St. Hugo. They were the host site of a fundraiser dinner for Cristo Rey. As the ONLY Catholic, co-ed high school in the city of Detroit, we need lots of funding. Especially because we are so new, as we continue to grow we need more funding for activities and facilities. The event invited our board members, faculty, and 14 students to mingle with potential donor's. What was awesome for me was that St. Hugo is my parish. I've been going to that Church since I was born, I went to elementry school there (k-8). My mom teaches 2nd grade at St. Hugo and has for many years. It was awesome to bring those two world's together. It was a very fancy (and delicious) dinner. Part of the evening included two students giving speeches on their perspective of Cristo Rey. Both are in one of my study hall's, so I've gotten to know them. I teared up a little when they were talking, because I know the amount of hard work these kids put into their school. I really can't quite describe the pride and love I have for the students, even if they misbehave. I am becoming more and more passionate about this school every day.
After the event, Rob (our director of development) told us (the four volunteers at the school) we could take home all the extra food. We're splitting it up so each community will have an equal amount (Jon and Hannah are volunteers through a different organization, Dave and I are both Mercy Volunteers). I then noticed my mommy's car was still in the school parking lot from Parent Teacher conferences, so we stood outside the door and waited for her. She came out and we sang to her. I only saw her for a few short minutes, but it was so good to be able to hug her and wish her a happy birthday. I love my mommy. What a wonderful woman.
If you haven't seen my facebook pictures, Laurence got to meet Bono. I am so incredibly happy for him. Apparently Bono was QUITE impressed by him, even taking him into their super secret prayer circle. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet but I bet it was so surreal and amazing. Love that kid. He deserves all the happiness that he recieved this past weekend.
I'm too tired for more right now, but I will add that Gem has found a solution to my writers block. She suggested that I journal privatley (not blog) about specific conversations and situations with students. That way I can write deeply about emotions without worrying about hurting them or having them see it publicly. Thanks Gem!
Love love!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Before I allowed my students to work on homework and testing skills, I asked them if we could take a moment of silence for the victims and families of September 11th. A few students rolled their eyes and one girl very loudly sighed and said "why do we have to do this EVERY year?"
At first I was angry. I felt disrespected, I felt hurt for our country and all of our soldiers who give up their freedom for us. Then I realized that these kids were only between the ages of 6-8 when the terroist attacks occured. Of course they don't care, they don't even know the extent of the pain, shock, and fear that ran through every American that day.
The strange thing is, I was their age. I was a freshmen in high school, had just turned 14 years old. I was sitting in my health class when the announcement was made. I was confused, hurt, scared. I didn't know anyone personally that was in the area, but the fact that so many innocent people lost their lives hurt me deeply. Then there was the VERY quick onset of conversation that Detroit was going to be the next victim, because of the Ren Cen and the automobile industry. I don't know who started that, but it got around FAST. We were all terrified. I remmeber all of us just walking around in a zone for the rest of the day...many classes were cancelled to allow us to watch the news reports. I was just so CONFUSED, I didn't understand how people could be so disgustingly heartless.
In the years following, I've made it a personal effort to learn more about our government, soldiers, and country. I take pride in being an American and hope the same for others.
These kids will never know what happened that day, the same way I will never know the wars, shooting of Presidents, etc. It's just the way history is. For them, 9/11 is just another multiple choice question on their history test.
I read a quote today for the first time that really describes how I personallly feel about September 11th.
"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate,'' wife of Flight 93 pilot Dahl.
I could not agree more, I wish so much that hate did not exist, there simply is no time or reason for it. I know we will never reach a state of complete peace but I wish that some of us would try a little harder.
On a happier note, today is Mr. Chikezie's birthday. I love that guy (duh). He deserves so much happiness and success and I will do everything I can to help him get there. Happy Birthday, Chikezie.
At first I was angry. I felt disrespected, I felt hurt for our country and all of our soldiers who give up their freedom for us. Then I realized that these kids were only between the ages of 6-8 when the terroist attacks occured. Of course they don't care, they don't even know the extent of the pain, shock, and fear that ran through every American that day.
The strange thing is, I was their age. I was a freshmen in high school, had just turned 14 years old. I was sitting in my health class when the announcement was made. I was confused, hurt, scared. I didn't know anyone personally that was in the area, but the fact that so many innocent people lost their lives hurt me deeply. Then there was the VERY quick onset of conversation that Detroit was going to be the next victim, because of the Ren Cen and the automobile industry. I don't know who started that, but it got around FAST. We were all terrified. I remmeber all of us just walking around in a zone for the rest of the day...many classes were cancelled to allow us to watch the news reports. I was just so CONFUSED, I didn't understand how people could be so disgustingly heartless.
In the years following, I've made it a personal effort to learn more about our government, soldiers, and country. I take pride in being an American and hope the same for others.
These kids will never know what happened that day, the same way I will never know the wars, shooting of Presidents, etc. It's just the way history is. For them, 9/11 is just another multiple choice question on their history test.
I read a quote today for the first time that really describes how I personallly feel about September 11th.
"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate,'' wife of Flight 93 pilot Dahl.
I could not agree more, I wish so much that hate did not exist, there simply is no time or reason for it. I know we will never reach a state of complete peace but I wish that some of us would try a little harder.
On a happier note, today is Mr. Chikezie's birthday. I love that guy (duh). He deserves so much happiness and success and I will do everything I can to help him get there. Happy Birthday, Chikezie.
Monday, September 7, 2009
I have exciting news!
Since the end of June, I’ve lost almost twenty lbs! I really owe it to the weekend I spent in Cleveland with Women of Faith. Hearing their testimonies, advice, personal stories, and songs made me realize so much about myself and give me the ability and will to control my own life. Another big help is the fact that I’m not able to spend much money, so that cuts down and buying junk food. I’m also exercising more, although I’m not doing my scheduled walks I am walking much more and using steps several times a day. I’m feeling much better about myself and noticed a significant change in my energy level (other than the days I’m beat from long work days). You can’t really tell (except in my face) but it was wonderful to hear from quite a few people this past weekend who haven’t seen me in a while that I look great…my parents noticed right away and made several comments throughout the weekend. I’m definitely going to keep this up and continue on the healthy journey.
I honestly wouldn’t be able to do this without the constant support I receive from so many people. My parents are obviously my number one support, but also all those who encourage me. Of course I am most thankful to God, for allowing me to see in myself my struggles with food and for setting me free, for giving me the strength to go through all of this. I am also thankful to God for sending Mandisa to me. I know I probably talk about this too much but I honestly couldn’t be where I am today without her. She is not only a role model and an inspiration but also a constant source of support and wisdom. I wish she knew just how much of a blessing she has been to me- I would be completely lost and alone without the advice and guidance she gave me. She truly leads by example- as I was reading her book a year and a half ago, I was amazed by how closely her story related to mine. I finally felt like there was someone in the world who understood me. Never did I imagine that she would turn out to be someone so vital to my life. I am very grateful for her and for God for placing her in my life- at the most perfect time. I will continue to fight this journey with her, we’re in it together!
Random side note, but I have one complaint about the past couple weeks. Everything has been so perfect, except that I have not been able to TRULY write. I’ve been writing blogs and journals about my daily life and experience as a Mercy Volunteer, but I haven’t really written and poured out my heart in way too long. I can’t force it otherwise it won’t be from the heart. It’s slightly frustrating because music and writing are my two outlets, and when I just sit there wanting so desperately to write I can’t. Other than that frustration, life is wonderful- I spent my weekend away from my community and with close family and friends- it was great and so so SO much fun, but I did miss my roomies! We’re all sitting together right now just chatting. Love these kiddos. They are my new family. Each of them inspire me.
Tomorrow is back to the real world-school officially starts so we’ll see how hectic the week is. I’m going to go to the first volleyball game tomorrow night to support some of my girls.
Coming up in the next couple weekends we have Dave’s birthday, new show at Matrix, Cedar Point, and our open house party where we are having sisters, neighbors, co-workers, and friends over. We’re pretty much booked with stuff until the end of October, depending on the person and what they have going on.
Hope everyone has a great, short week! I want everyone who reads this to let me know what’s going on in their life!
Song of the Day- Kate Voegle- Lift Me Up
Since the end of June, I’ve lost almost twenty lbs! I really owe it to the weekend I spent in Cleveland with Women of Faith. Hearing their testimonies, advice, personal stories, and songs made me realize so much about myself and give me the ability and will to control my own life. Another big help is the fact that I’m not able to spend much money, so that cuts down and buying junk food. I’m also exercising more, although I’m not doing my scheduled walks I am walking much more and using steps several times a day. I’m feeling much better about myself and noticed a significant change in my energy level (other than the days I’m beat from long work days). You can’t really tell (except in my face) but it was wonderful to hear from quite a few people this past weekend who haven’t seen me in a while that I look great…my parents noticed right away and made several comments throughout the weekend. I’m definitely going to keep this up and continue on the healthy journey.
I honestly wouldn’t be able to do this without the constant support I receive from so many people. My parents are obviously my number one support, but also all those who encourage me. Of course I am most thankful to God, for allowing me to see in myself my struggles with food and for setting me free, for giving me the strength to go through all of this. I am also thankful to God for sending Mandisa to me. I know I probably talk about this too much but I honestly couldn’t be where I am today without her. She is not only a role model and an inspiration but also a constant source of support and wisdom. I wish she knew just how much of a blessing she has been to me- I would be completely lost and alone without the advice and guidance she gave me. She truly leads by example- as I was reading her book a year and a half ago, I was amazed by how closely her story related to mine. I finally felt like there was someone in the world who understood me. Never did I imagine that she would turn out to be someone so vital to my life. I am very grateful for her and for God for placing her in my life- at the most perfect time. I will continue to fight this journey with her, we’re in it together!
Random side note, but I have one complaint about the past couple weeks. Everything has been so perfect, except that I have not been able to TRULY write. I’ve been writing blogs and journals about my daily life and experience as a Mercy Volunteer, but I haven’t really written and poured out my heart in way too long. I can’t force it otherwise it won’t be from the heart. It’s slightly frustrating because music and writing are my two outlets, and when I just sit there wanting so desperately to write I can’t. Other than that frustration, life is wonderful- I spent my weekend away from my community and with close family and friends- it was great and so so SO much fun, but I did miss my roomies! We’re all sitting together right now just chatting. Love these kiddos. They are my new family. Each of them inspire me.
Tomorrow is back to the real world-school officially starts so we’ll see how hectic the week is. I’m going to go to the first volleyball game tomorrow night to support some of my girls.
Coming up in the next couple weekends we have Dave’s birthday, new show at Matrix, Cedar Point, and our open house party where we are having sisters, neighbors, co-workers, and friends over. We’re pretty much booked with stuff until the end of October, depending on the person and what they have going on.
Hope everyone has a great, short week! I want everyone who reads this to let me know what’s going on in their life!
Song of the Day- Kate Voegle- Lift Me Up
Friday, September 4, 2009
The opening Mass at Detroit Cristo Rey High School took place today at Holy Redeemer. The Mass was beautiful, we had several students participate and many of our community supporters came to welcome the students and wish them luck. After Mass ended, our students lined up in the parking lot and shook hands with all the guests.
Of all the guests that came to celebrate the new school year with us, there were two who were VERY important to me- my parents. Earlier in the day, I pulled aside one of the sophomores and asked her if she would be willing to give a tour of the school to two very important guests- she agreed and was very excited to do this favor for me. After Mass, my parents shook hands with the students and met some of the staff. Then they headed over to the school. The student (Jasmine) had to call her ride, so I started the tour and she took over when she was finished. She did an excellent job, explaining the work scedule, introducing my parents to staff, and dicussing their classes. One staff member specifically thanked my parents for helping me get to where I am. That really touched me, because I'm always thankful for the hard work my parents have put into shaping me and guiding me, so to have others recognize that and also be appreciative was very touching. It was very exciting for my parents to meet my kiddies and see where I will be working every day, especially because they have been so supportive of the Mercy Volunteer Corps process. I am very lucky to have such amazing parents.
I have three study hall's during the day so I will get a chance to know three different groups of students very well. I also have had an AMAZING response of students who want to be peer mediators. So much, in fact, that I will have to switch second semester to give other kids a chance. I'm very pleased with this and excited that the students are willing to help their peers.
On a random sidenote, yesterday marked one year since one of the most amazing days- the Idol show in Grand Rapids. So many wonderful things happened that day. We met Brenna, who we are still good friends with, Chikezie was given his scrapbook, we ended up being given four after party passes, and all the idols were so sweet to us. I miss those kiddies and that tour. Such good times. It's crazy thinking how much has happened since then.
Love everyone. So much!
Of all the guests that came to celebrate the new school year with us, there were two who were VERY important to me- my parents. Earlier in the day, I pulled aside one of the sophomores and asked her if she would be willing to give a tour of the school to two very important guests- she agreed and was very excited to do this favor for me. After Mass, my parents shook hands with the students and met some of the staff. Then they headed over to the school. The student (Jasmine) had to call her ride, so I started the tour and she took over when she was finished. She did an excellent job, explaining the work scedule, introducing my parents to staff, and dicussing their classes. One staff member specifically thanked my parents for helping me get to where I am. That really touched me, because I'm always thankful for the hard work my parents have put into shaping me and guiding me, so to have others recognize that and also be appreciative was very touching. It was very exciting for my parents to meet my kiddies and see where I will be working every day, especially because they have been so supportive of the Mercy Volunteer Corps process. I am very lucky to have such amazing parents.
I have three study hall's during the day so I will get a chance to know three different groups of students very well. I also have had an AMAZING response of students who want to be peer mediators. So much, in fact, that I will have to switch second semester to give other kids a chance. I'm very pleased with this and excited that the students are willing to help their peers.
On a random sidenote, yesterday marked one year since one of the most amazing days- the Idol show in Grand Rapids. So many wonderful things happened that day. We met Brenna, who we are still good friends with, Chikezie was given his scrapbook, we ended up being given four after party passes, and all the idols were so sweet to us. I miss those kiddies and that tour. Such good times. It's crazy thinking how much has happened since then.
Love everyone. So much!
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