In the car, I just can't wait, to be finished with my very first DAY

First day of summer school teaching....check
Beginning class of only 8/16 students...check
First minor setback during teaching...check

It could have been much much worse. Oh yes, much worse. As it was, I think I did pretty well, and came off fairly professional. Unfortunately, professionalism isn't exactly what's needed there. The kids aren't horrible, though they are brutally honest with themselves, their family, friends, and with me of course. I think they'll warm up to me as they go, but it may be a bit of a barrier that I grew up as, well, a good girl. And these are all students undergoing a program because they were alcoholics and flunked classes.

They're all smokers, since they cannot drink. Good idea, hm? They asked me if I smoke, drink, did drugs, etc. and I decided to be honest and say I did smoke 1 cigarette once...in a pub in Berlin after two big mugs of beer. However, I didn't like it, wouldn't do it again, and really can't stand the smell. As for drinking, I only have a couple drinks now and then (unless it's a special occassion--which I did not tell them).

Furthermore, since they're kids that were involved in all that junk, they hung out with a different sort of crowd SO they're not exactly fans of the same sort of things. I love reading, writing, never minded school, and got along with students and teachers. Instead of going out to parties, I'd hang out with friends and play games, watch fun movies, and basically, be a kid, all into fantasy and using my imagination. These are kids trying to grow up way too fast. Still, I did put up an Inuyasha poster I found at Suncoast and I plan on bringing my SW poster from home--I don't care if they think I'm a geek--I am one, and it's not like I'm going to bother hiding it.

Still, I think I can handle teaching this class. It's not like I had tons in common with the students at Altoona, nor the students in London, particularly. Besides, getting to know them today helped me make some decisions about the unit I will have them do this summer. I have many MANY options, but it looks like I'm going to have to design it to be as unconventional as possible, keep them on their toes, and keep them moving and learning. Some of them have the attention spans of a 3 year old...with a nicotine addiction.

So wish me luck, friends. I'm going to need it. That and a continuous supply of wine coolers, massages, time out with people born before 1986, and ice cream, lots of ice cream.