I drive an hour each way

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Home : 2007 : October : 24

I drive an hour each way
By Risa

I seldom enjoy the long drive, but I wouldn't want to live in the poor community where I work. Sadly, the school is in a high crime area with high gang activity. We've had many lock downs due to criminal activity in the area.

In my first two years of teaching, when I worked in another district, I lived about 5 minutes from work, but I didn't like the fact that students would ride over on their bicycles and just circle the street yelling out my name (constantly) just to wave or say hello. Sometimes, they would ask if they could come over, but I really didn't want them there. I was never sure when

they might show up to see me with my hair a mess or with my torn jeans and stained t-shirt. :o

I'll always remember when I was shopping in the lingerie section of a local clothing store, looking for slip or a camisole. I paid no attention to the whining complaints of a boy as his mother walked through the lingerie section. Suddenly I heard my name being called out in disbelief. It was my former student Ralphie who had stopped dead in his tracks with his jaw hanging open. (This is a perfect portrayal of stunned Ralphie ==>:eek:) I had to giggle when I saw that stunned look on his face! I greeted him and his mother, but poor Ralphie must have been so shocked to see his 3rd grade teacher looking through the bras and panties that he didn't move for several minutes!! LOL His mother finally tugged on his arm saying something about getting home to fix dinner. To this day, I don't know how I didn't let on to stunned Ralphie that I was as embarrassed at being caught with bras and panties in my hand as he was shocked to see me! Whenever I recall this incident I remember to be thankful that I don't have to hide from my students since I live so far away from them... :s)