Finally! Teach For America Institute is over and I am all moved in to my house in Baton Rouge.
First things first... My summer school kids did WONDERFUL! It was amazing to see how much they improved in both reading and math. I had kids who couldn't read at the beginning of the summer learn how to read. I had students who improved their math skills immensely. All in all, everything we did was worth it. Not only did they make great progress in their academics, but our class vision was "teamwork" and we also saw them make great strides in that area. Where they once laughed at and made fun of their special education classmate, they began to embrace and fiercely defend her from those who would laugh at her. Instead of selfishly wanting all of our grand stickers to themselves, they began to share and even give away stickers to their friends. It was the little things that really stuck out to me and made me see that we weren't just teaching these kids how to read, but teaching them skills they will use throughout life.
Cleveland, Mississippi... I will miss you. But not
that much...
 |
| My co-teachers on the last night of Institute (me, Nora, Michelle, and Lauren) |
Now that Institute is over, I have finally moved into my dream house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As I write this, I am currently at Spanish Town Market (formally Capital Grocery), a tiny, quaint grocery store/restaurant just a block away from my house. Although small and somewhat hidden behind trees and patio furniture, Spanish Town Market will serve up crawfish boudin, sells microbrew beers from all over the country, and offers free wi-fi (thank goodness, cause I still don't have Internet at my house). Charming and homey, this place represents exactly what my neighborhood is like. My house, situated on a narrow street with houses from all eras squished together like the neighbors were best friends, is a candy-colored house surrounded by magnolia and oak trees. I pretty much feel like I'm in the rain forest when I sit out on my balcony... that's right, my room has it's own personal balcony, which I love drinking coffee and playing guitar on. This incredible house was built in 1910 and has all the character and charm that you would expect. And the neighborhood, oh the neighborhood. Spanish Town is a place that is so unique, especially here in the Deep South. It appears to be an artsy, creative community where people sit on porches, raise chicken in their backyard, and are open to everyone who passes through: and that's exactly what it is. As I walk through the narrow streets on my way to downtown or Capitol Park, I see trees draped with Mardi Gras beads and hundreds (literally, hundreds) of hot pink flamingos, the neighborhood's mascot. I can walk to the grocery store, library, many parks, a lake, the dry cleaners, downtown restaurants and bars, etc. Spanish Town is my little oasis in the middle of Baton Rouge. It is a place I know will be easy to call home. There are about 10 cats that live on my street, and if you know me, you know how much this excites me. Sitting on my porch drinking a glass of wine and having a cat walk up pretty much makes my day. When the neighbor's chickens escaped from the backyard and strolled through my front yard, I couldn't believe my eyes. And of course, sitting on my back balcony underneath the twinkle lights, reading a book, is the perfect thing to do before I go to sleep... I LOVE this place...
 |
| Home, sweet home |
I'm going to go now so I can enjoy my neighborhood more before work begins...
I'm currently reading:
