First off I completely apologize for not updating the blog for the past month. A birthday and anniversary pasted and finals were taken, but I just didn't find the time or anything interesting to write about. But tonight I feel the need to rant and then possibly back up and give thanks. I think I've said this before, but Travis & I teach at an inner city high school. Most days you wouldn't know you were at an inner city high school. I'm sure we deal with things all the time that we don't even identify with that label, but that others would see at "ghetto." And then again there are times when it creeps up on you and becomes very real and overwhelming. You feel helpless and unable to facilitate change. You lose that sense that what you're doing is honestly making a difference and that it is worth everything you go through.
This past weekend the captain of the varsity basketball team at our school, was murdered. Travis, being a coach for the team, is crushed. It was a case of wrong time, wrong place, and of course had to do with gang violence. So many questions come out of this. But I guess my biggest question is what do we have to offer these kids that is more enticing than the streets? Most are unable to afford college with how ridiculous tuition costs are right now. And then we as a society tell them that they can't do anything without a degree. As a nation we have outsourced so many good jobs and have reduced the value of a plumber or trades to something that only immigrants or idiots would choose to do. What do we leave them with?
The streets offer quick answers and even faster cash. It offers a sense of community and protection. And most of all it gives them purpose and value within their sphere of influence. How do we combat this? I know some of the answer to this, but it just seems easier to head out to a suburban school where kids die from drunk driving or suicide, where it seems they have a choice in their tragedy, rather than senseless violence.
But in all things give thanks. Right now, what we specifically have to offer, is our belief in the plan of salvation. I'm grateful for Temple work and a Savior who manifests the godliness of all people through sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. I guess that is where the hope comes from that we continue to share and deplete with these kids, and then we go to church or the Temple and have experiences that renew that hope and faith.
Sorry for the soapbox. If you would like to see the story about Mario you can go to this website. http://www.wwlp.com/Global/story.asp?S=8339816. If not, thank you for listening. I don't want to be a Debbie downer, but just wanted to provoke thought on what we can all do individually to make the things or people under our stewardship just a little better.
7 comments:
how sad :(
i am sorry that you and travis had to experience this with your student....
keep up the good work
XO
aunt lee
Kirsy and Trav,
I'm sorry to hear this. It's discouraging and heart breaking BUT at least your students have you two to turn to!
this is so sad. like dana said, at least they have you and travis to help them and set a good example for them. i wish i had something more profound to write.
also congrats to Travis, although I don't know if it something anyone ever wishes upon themselves or their husbands but he'll be a great obispo and you'll be a greats obispa! good luck with all the joys and many challenges a calling like that provides.
Wow, that is rough...I am so sorry here about this.
I bet you guys are doing a great job at the school. Even though sometimes you may not think you are making a differance you really are. I hope to think that deep down the kids you work with really are greatful that there ARE people that care about their futures and don't give up on them. That is a job not many could do...I give you and your hubby lots of credit.
I give many kudos to you two and all the many other people who work in the schools that you do. I think in a way teaching school can be like a mission. Some kids you just can't seem to reach but than there are those kids that you do reach that make the experience all worth it.
and is it true? You guys are obispo and obispa? Wow!
Don't apologize for the soapbox. Keep talking...keep asking those questions, it's the only way to find a solution. You guys have a tough job and most people wouldn't do it. Thanks for being willing!
It's definitely tragic but don't forget to celebrate the good things that happened to you guys this month!!!
Kirstin, this is Maren. I am sorry to hear about the loss. What a rough area and hard thing to go through, especially the other students in the school. I hope to never hear a story like this again.
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