Ask for forgiveness

Yesterday was the day to nationally recognize the elimination of the derogatory use of the R-word. Our goal as global citizens is to “spread the word to end the word.” In homes, schools, playgrounds and any other socially-inhabited place around the country, we are pledging to resist using stupid and retarded as synonyms. My personal pledge was implemented into my classroom by having my students sign their class’ respective poster board with their own pledge and signatures. Thus with the question being “How will you pledge to end the R-word?, my answer was “I pledge to end the word by teaching others to end the word.” I signed mine on each poster and had students follow.

A few thought it was a waste of time, a few were slightly interested and few definitely had my back. After watching the following video, I think nearly all were in the last category.

http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=qVgoS_IQXck

The video shows a girl expressing a message of the same “end the word”-theme, except she uses all note cards to talk. After seeing someone else besides myself give reasons to end the word, the students seemed a bit more passionate. The video is powerful, but there is one that I wanted to show much more. This one:

http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?videoId=T549VoLca_Q

I shared the clip with my mentor teacher, and she agreed that the message is powerful, but I would be flirting with a very risky line in showing it. I suppose during a time when a grade and possible future could be compromised, I should have better judgment. After sharing it with the vice-principal as well, I was politely told to refrain from the presentation. Perhaps on my last day here.

A philosophy I like to think my rebellious side lives by is “ask for forgiveness, not for permission.” Sometimes that motto leads me to a much more difficult situation to amend than just some hurt feelings.

Nevertheless, I believe the students took away an important lesson yesterday. But with the addition of a shortened Wednesday due to professional development, some of the class had extinguished their entire time with the “spread the word” lesson and never reached the actual academics I am currently targeting. On my drive home, I worried about the tangent that my day took. I then relieved some of my stress by remembering something my sister once told me about her current job. She says that for one Friday each month, her entire company is suggested to do anything but work. They are still on the clock but are utilizing their time either volunteering, helping schools somehow, conducting networking events, or anything else good for the company’s soul.

I’ve realized just how important the real-world application of our careers is. I think we need to nurture the ideas and passions which revolve around our unique lives and always remember that it matters.

“Someone doesn’t get to be great marksman by taking target practice only once a year.”

Happy Trails.