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January 11, 2006

a tale of two cousins

Trina and Kianna are cousins. They have the same dreams for the future: romance, a nice home, kids, a good job someday. But they grew up in two different worlds. The father of one was an uncle of the other. I say "was" because he died at an early age. I am not sure why. I know a lot about my students but not everything.

One grew up in a loving family with a doting mom willing and able to dispense hugs and swats as needed. Because she lived in a home full of sisters and brothers to care for, and a stable environment, one grew up knowing that she was loved and needed. I don't have to spend too much time motivating her to succeed; she does most of it herself. And, with a simple phone call, her mom is always ready to lend a hand.

The other has been in and out of more foster homes than she could count. Her mother has been addicted to crack and any other boutique drug-of-the-month available on the street. She has very little motivation and not much of a sense that she has a future beyond next Friday night.

My school is an alternative high school for at-risk students. I only have twenty five students at any one time, give or take a couple. But I teach every subject they need to graduate and they need twenty two credits. They come to my school as the last resort. You might say, I am their last and only hope - a lifeboat so to speak. Some get in and make it to shore, but many don't. These two cousins represent a good example of the range of students that are in my care.

Can you tell which is which by looking at them? I couldn't if I didn't know them. They both have beautiful smiles and a carefree air about them. The resiliency of youth can mask a lot of deep seated anger and hurt sometimes and this was a good day for both of them. They have their ups and downs. Recently, the one that needed a good home started living with the one that had one. There have been disputes between the moms in the past but blood is thicker than water. I wonder how long it will last.

Posted by roadapples at January 11, 2006 05:45 PM

I would guess that the one on the left is the one who has been in foster care. Am I right?

Posted by: kenju at January 11, 2006 08:22 PM

I was a mentor for a fourteen year-old girl at an at-risk alternative school here in my town. She had six brothers, one dad, no mom, and was one of seven females in the school population of 78 kids.

Last year, she received a full scholarship to a prestigious private school down the road.

I hope it does last for both Ashley and Elaine. But if it doesn't, for either of them, for whatever reason, I hope they'll never give up looking for the thing that finally will.

Posted by: Jennifer at January 11, 2006 08:29 PM

A real life reality post that one. Must be a tough job. I was a school teacher in a pretty rought boys school for 2 years in the early 70s. I don't envy you.

Posted by: Tjilpi [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 13, 2006 12:47 AM

There's a special place in heaven for folks who do what you do.

Posted by: poopie at January 13, 2006 04:05 PM

k: Sorry, I can't tell you which is which. Sometimes a mystery is much more interesting.

J: From time to time, I have students badly in need of mentors. Interested?

T: You must post some stories from then. I think they would be very interesting.

P: I know. I have my room all picked out. I want a room with a view of the beach.

Posted by: road apples [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 14, 2006 09:57 AM