Lesson Learned #1: stupid drama

One time a girl complained to me about how a boy dumped her during first period, and then he asked out another girl in third period.  Perfect timing for her, this was right after I checked for homework and 80% of the class didn’t even care to try. In my frustration, I remember thinking the only reason why he liked you is because you started puberty earlier than the rest of the ninas, and you get to wear Hollister instead of Faded Glory. Truly insensitive, I know, so what came out in its stead? “Geez, what a jerk.”

Yesterday one of my craziest girls wrote me a note on a Post-It she stole from my desk. It read: “Mr. Chung I want to go jeeb.” So instead of learning about the Articles of Confederation, she learned how to say “home” in Korean.

Today she wrote me another note, more informative than the previous one, and it said “Veronica and I are not friends anymore.” Later in class she casually told me that she also cried during the period before.

I was tempted to dismissively nod and say “oh okay, I’m sorry, let’s get to work” and continue about my business making sure these kids can recite verbatim facts that they’ll never really care for again in life. No time for stupid drama! FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS! STOP STEALING MY POST-ITS!

After taking some time to reflect on today, I was reminded that if we take a minute to listen to the child beyond their words, we can tell that what we consider stupid drama, is to them, quite a hurtful reality. What makes them cry is really just as important as what makes us cry. I’ve learned that it takes humility to look through someone else’s perspective, but it takes love to embrace it.

Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to talk with her today after school, but tomorrow I’ll try.