Growth: Week 3 at Institute

The third week has come and gone. The most remarkable part of Institute is, without question, the experience for which we all joined Teach for America: reaching out to, and connecting with our kids in the classroom. My 4th graders are, as expected, incredibly bright and eager to learn, given the right impetus. Yesterday afternoon, as I bowed my head and paid the young minds their due for defeating me in a closely-contested, well-fought "Multiplication Bonanza" (if you take the first part of this sentence to mean that I lost a mathematics competition to a group of youngsters under the age of 13, then you're absolutely correct), I felt closer to, and more correct about my conviction that all children, regardless of background, have an inherent and unending ability to learn than ever before. Indeed, my students will succeed, because they can succeed, because they want to succeed. This is not only our class motto; it is also a reality that will be borne out over time.

On the sanity front, people around here are doing much better! Week 3, while extremely challenging, did not provide as many emotional and physical lows as its predecessor. Perhaps we're moving closer to getting the hang of this crazy experience, or, as is more likely, we're given an extra boost by the strengthened connection many of us are enjoying with our students. I'm particularly inspired by a few of my fellow Corps members who have gone the extra mile in their classrooms. Some are reaching out to parents and students by phone, whereas others are holding Saturday morning tutoring sessions to sharpen the skills of any student willing to come. Many are doing both. To these intrepid educators I tip my cap humbly and say, "good on you; the future belongs to your students." I will strive to match my colleague stride for stride in their relentless pursuit of results (a TFA core value).

I am also enjoying strengthened, indeed ever-strengthening, bonds with fellow Corps members, from New Mexico and beyond. Last night, after school, the Browning Elementary crew took on Action Jackson Elementary and another school in a bout of karaoke at a local restaurant. Not only did I have a blast, but I also happily participated, belting out hit tunes including "I Want it that Way" by the acclaimed, late-nineties teenage heartthrobs, the Backstreet Boys, as well as Gin and Juice by the one and only Snoop Dogg, and, to top it off, a blast from the past in the form of "Don't Stop Believing", from everyone's favorite 80s band, Journey. Great stuff. Good times.

After Karaoke, I went with some friends to the New Mexico Corps social at a classic Houston watering hole, known as the Alabama Ice Shelf. This place was at once classy, raw, and epic. Bikers dominate the scene (and bring their dogs along, as well!). There were some interesting automobiles out front (and when I say this, I have one particular car in mind, or, I should say, boat- a pink Cadillac that must have 30 feet long!) and a basketball half-court in the back. It was nice to converse with NM '07 Corps as well as many already teaching in the region. We got some good advice on how to best prepare for life in the classroom and simply had a great evening, which was capped by some Mexican chow and an horchata just down the road at Rutchie's 24-hour taqueria- vamos!

Today, some fellow NM Corps and I competed in an outdoor, five-on-five bball tournament here at Moody Towers at UH. While we came up short (way short!) to the Memphis team, it was a great time, and I enjoyed hitting the hardtop after a long hiatus therefrom. I didn't put the biscuit in the basket myself, but dished out some assists and pulled down a few boards. It was a great time.

After spending the better part of the afternoon lounging and writing at a great coffeeshop in mid-town with some of my closest friends here at institute (it was great to finally get some bold coffee!), it was off to the Astros game, where we saw Craig Biggio continue his post-3000 hit tear with two singles, even though his Stros dropped the game 3-0. I went over with about fifteen NM Corps and took in the marvel that is Minute Maid Park, definitely one of the nicest, most comfortable ballparks in which I've ever taken a game. It's retractable roof provided us the shade and comfort not so easily found in humid Houston. It was a good way to spend an evening.

Tomorrow, I will go with my wonderful Aunt Loretta to visit my Grandma Mary in Baytown, TX, which is about half-an-hour away from Houston. In the evening, Loretta and I will join her colleague and her mother for dinner. Now, I've never met her colleague, but she and I have been in touch via e-mail for over a year as her parents welcomed me into their home in Lima last summer. This incredible act of kindness still kind of blows me away. Here she was, never having met me, and offering her parents and their incredible hospitality to me on my maiden voyage abroad. I shall never forget the kindness, nor the welcome and much needed care her parents gave me when I arrived late one July night last summer, exhausted from a long day of traveling and countless, often fruitless, attempts at effectively communicating in the Spanish. Tomorrow, I shall meet the mother of my aunt's colleague again, this time in the U.S. I can only hope and pray that I welcome her in a way that bears some resemblance to the kindness she offered me.

Until next week, I leave you with the hope and joy possessed and known only by those who have the untainted hope and joy of young people in their lives. I hope to speak to you in future messages through them and the courage they inspire in me.

Enjoy your week, and thanks for reading.

--D.B.