Gangs

On tuesdays/thursdays, I tutor at an inner city Lansing high school. When i pulled into the lot on tuesday, I noticed a lot of police cars, more than usual. Shaking it off I entered the school. There were DOZENS of police officers lining the halls. I shook it off and went to check in at the office.

"is there anything going on I should know about?"

"There was a little fight today. I'll have security walk you down to the room." I have never had anyone walk me down to the room. Soon, 2 big, black police officers came and walked on either side of me to the tutoring room. i went in and greeted Kevin, a fellow tutor. We only had one kid and when we left, the officers walked us to our cars, and made sure i locked mine after I got in.

I pushed it aside, until yesterday. I got an e-mail from my supervisor, Paulo. he asked if we had any questions about the "incident" at the school. I said i noticed the officers, etc. What was going on?

He wrote me an e-mail back, saying that there was a skirmish between two gangs at the school. A couple knives were pulled, etc. A kid kicked an officer, there was blood, you get the idea. Apparently, according to him, there has been a lot of gang activity in the school, concerning the "white" gang, and the "black" gang and centering around a group of white girls...should i say more?? He told me not to worry, sercurity would be stepped up. But, if i felt uncomfortable going back, i should let him know. The school already told him they would understand.

i went back today, again escorted from the parking lot, to the office, and to the tutoring room, where an officer stayed by the door. A regular kid of mine, Jayvon gave me a big hug and said he was glad i decided to come back.

?

I asked him why he was surprised.

"You're a white girl."

I can't stop thinking about that. True, I am a minority in the school, but i never thought it would have that kind of affect. he told me a little more about the fight, all the dozens of kids being suspended, the numbers of kids who were being arrested and ticketed. but he said he was glad I was there.

And we worked on his english for an hour before i left, escorted out to my car by the officer.

I have never felt this way. I love working with the kids. They are all good kids. jayvon told me, "I wouldn't never get mixed up in that s***." And I told him i was proud of him for that, to keep working hard so he can go to college like he wants to. He wants out of that kind of lifestyle. he told me another time his older brother was in jail for robbery.

It makes me sad. That there are situations like this, happening in schools. But then there are kids like Jayvon, who work hard and do their best. And that makes me happy.

Kevin, another tutor, also asked why i would come back, after finding out what caused all this violence. Honestly, i don't know. But i don't feel like I should punish kids like Jayvon for the actions their peers commit. It wouldn't be fair of me to place judgement, and say i no longer feel safe in a "black" school. So...I'll continue tutoring there, as long as there is an officer at my side...

-allie-

School is fun!

not really, I was being sarcastic.

Anyway...life is good. My classes are doing alright too. I just hate the fact that professors pile on so much at the end of the year. my schedule is a tad hectic. Like that 20 page paper due next wednesday...yeah...at least I have a topic! Or, i got a professor approved topic. Anyone know something about Jane Wenham? anyone? Yeah, i don't know anything either.

I also have to research archaeological (totally slaughtered the spelling?) digging in Pompeii in the 18th century for my english class. I would rather write another paper...on...something that actually HAS to do with English. yeah, definately.

hmm, but other than that...nothing TOO exciting or out of the ordinary has happened. I lead a boring life. sorry. No entertainment for you! Well, if me stressing out, pulling out hair, going blind from reading, and going through two highlighters a week is entertainment, welcome to the front row. :)

But to be honest, i like being busy. keeps me on my toes. I mean, who doesn't want to do all that i do? Lol. Just KIDDING! but seriously, I function best under stress, not INSANE amounts, but I get more done, i'm productive when I'm stressed out. (the philosophy being, if i have more free time, i sit on my bum. Being stressed makes me move around and get working on stuff. Its good for me!) And wasn't there a study done that proved that some stress is good for you?

wow, i went off on a tangent...ahem.

Anyway, i should be reading. i have to read, "White Teacher," for tomorrow. it looks interesting...but um...I would rather play Sims 2. I still need to get the University expansion. My brother owns and its the best thing ever! Who wouldn't want to make their Sims throw toga parties? i would! And...the best part:

You can create your own "greek" houses. My goodness...what fun!!

Now that I sound like a COMPLETE nerd...(which I am), I'm going to read....or do something productive!

-allie-

(that little word down there? thats says comments? Click it...and write me a pretty note! and don't forget to sign your name!!!)

"Just Keep Swimming..."

Still getting by, or at least i think i am.

life is going good.

School is alright, nothing worthy of mentioning.

I miss my jen-nay. :( I just want to hug her and giggle, and eat peanut butter....

anyway, just thought i should write...something...

-allie-

Less Than Awesome

feeling five steps above overwhelmed.

pray for me.

Blast From the Past

in 7th grade, i loved my english teacher. She was quirky, and fun, and helped me develop my writing. My younger sister is in her class now as an 8th grader, and my mom went to conferences last night.

She said she mentioned to Mrs. Fitzgerald that I was accepted to the College of Education at MSU. Mrs. Fitzgerald then asked my mom if I had to do an internship. My mom said yes, and Mrs. Fitzgerald said, "Tell Allie i would love to have her, if she wants to do her internship here with me."

heck yeah i would! granted, i want to teach high school, but to work with Mrs. Fitzgerald? you bet i want to! Too bad the internship is two years away. nuts. but, i'm excited. And I am definately going to put in that request, because we can choose where we want to go. I'm already uber-excited.

Anyway, other things are going well. SPRING BREAK IS HERE! but only after i finish this paper...

allie

Randomness

I got my big sister last night. :D I love her, she's so cute and she bought me presents. I really think that pledging is becoming one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Hopefully, I might finally come out of my shell and be myself.

I'm just a tad more than stressed...maybe I should call it SUPERSTRESSED! I've got the two exams today, one tomorrow, and a seven page paper due friday by 5. I'm actually not worried about the paper...i can bang it out in 2 hours or so. I AM worried about the one at three today. Reformation Europe. it even sounds hard. ick. Who is Jakob Fugger again? Yeah, thats what i thought. I don't know either.

Anyway, nothing else particularly exciting is going on. I planned out my schedule for next year, and let me tell you, I'm taking some FUN classes. (Socio-Linguistic studies for Children? anyone?) But its all good. I'm relieved that i have a future now. What was I going to do with two bachelor's in English and History?

Speaking of bachelors, and the Bachelorette, I was very upset with her on Monday night. DUMB WOMAN! Anyway, no more reality TV rants from me...(even my mom was mad at her).

Ahem. THREE MORE DAYS TILL SPRING BREAK! yay! Let's hope the snow melts so i can get a tan in Rochester. But I highly doubt a warm front is going to move in with 80 degree temperatures.

I need to get back to studying, but I love you all.

-allie-