Growin' up.

I think I had a "moment" today when I realized, once again, that the young students I've spent the last couple of years working with and worrying about have grown up. I wonder if my parents felt this way when I left home for the first time. Worry. Excitement. Anticipation. I know I'm not a parent, but I've felt like one time and time again as I worked with these kids to fill out the FAFSA, admissions applications, search for scholarships, and make decisions about everything from which career best suits their talents to where to eat before prom.

We had an unofficial "AVID Reunion" at a pizza place on Wednesday. Most of the kids have jobs. They've registered for their classes. Some leave this week for school is far off places-- Reno, San Diego, Hampton, Lincoln, MO. I spent all day today with Ivette, a former student I've kept in touch with. She was a little nervous, so I volunteered to go with her to the freshman orientation at Nevada State College/Warehouse. (Actually, I was a little impressed. The last time I'd seen NSC it really did look like a warehouse. Today we saw actual classrooms!)

3 LONG hours later, Ivette treated me to sushi at I LOVE SUSHI!, which pretty much made suffering through the long boring orientation worth it. (And just in case anyone is interested, oyster shooters? Not good. Do not give in to peer pressure and allow anyone to talk you into that whole "just try it" routine. Gross.)

If you know me you've probably met or heard about Boo, who just graduated in June. She wrote this blog about "Growin' up" on her Myspace page.
Sidenote: She knows how to spell and can use proper grammar, as needed, but Myspacers appreciate street talk a little more. She knows her audience! Don't hate!

i been thru so much during my life time....but the trials ive made it thrgh have only made me a strngr person....to some ppl i was against all odds of graduating...but too bad i made it...they ddnt even thnk i had a chance of makn it 2 college....too bad im on my wy der....u learn in life who has ur back n who dsnt.....its the ones that was der b4 u made it who really cares....ive learnd if you take the cards that life dealt 2 u n ply them rather than tryn 2 change hands wit sum1...life will b much easeir 4 u.....its not abt who makes it der the da fastest....... its abt who makes it....n trust me IM GON MAK IT!!!!!!!

She will make it.

When I think about some of the things my students have been through, I'm just reminded of how blessed I have been in my life. I like Boo's idea about playing the cards that life deals you. For the most part I've been dealt good cards that are pretty easy to play. I've never had to deal with so many of the things that my students struggle with.

I am proud of Boo and all the other AVID homies are on their way to college. That's just one of many steps they've already taken in the right direction. It is a choice that will affect the rest of their lives. I love listening to my kids talk about their goals and plans for the future. Already, some of them are doing great things in the world. I am excited to hear about all they'll accomplish.