I had been warned that my classes would be enormous. I have 42 desks and the first day back, I had anywhere from 45-53 kids in every class. That meant all 42 desks full, plus the ten chairs, and in the last period of the day, a student sat in the last chair, my chair. Gulp.
I know it won't last, it never does, but all these students left me a bit anxious. Because none of the faces were familiar. Strangers can look intimidating, especially a group of them that are also not thrilled about the temporary overcrowding.
And then something happened. I started to notice smiles. Smiles make me relax. It disarms people. It humanizes these bundles of hormones we call young adults.
One particular boy that I felt some unease with I started to strike up a conversation. I found him very polite and we found common ground quickly. I had gone from fearing this boy a little bit to liking him and not fearing him at all in just two minutes.
You can't judge these kids on appearance. Some of the appearances are admittedly rough, but once you get past the facial piercings and the tattoos, these kids are still kids, with joys, hopes and dreams.
I am looking forward to another good year.
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