That one was just for fun. But seriously, as we’re currently starting to talk about evolution I thought it would be relevant to discuss how I’ve had to adapt (see what I did there?) to being in a completely different environment and how I’ve upped my fitness. Alright, I’ll stop, geez. It’s interesting but I think I’m just now starting to feel more comfortable with the curriculum, the age group, the school, and the classroom culture as a whole. At first my thinking was- “Really? It took this long to adapt?” But when I really thought about how difficult it is to come into a completely new environment, I began to realize how long this transition can (and should) really take. We’re also talking about a population of students that doesn’t immediately trust and respect the teacher just because they’re at the front of the classroom. It has to be earned. In some ways I have to be honest, I kinda like this. Teaching in inner-city schools your practice has to always been at its best, because I’m finding you really have to be creative to engage kids who come in unmotivated and disenchanted with school. And to what I was saying before, earning the respect and developing relationships with kids who don’t immediately trust an adult really feels as though you earn it rather than simply receive it because you’re in this position as the teacher. I’ve come to really enjoy many of the students in each of the classes, and feel the most comfortable as I have been over the past 7 weeks. It’s ironic and a little sad that just as I’m leaving I’m getting the knack for my niche (sorry, won’t happen again) but I recognize that becoming a real part of the classroom culture is a process that takes a long time. Just happy to be where I’m at with a week left.