Beautifully-Aged

“I was really hungry, and I saw pizza, and it ruined me.”

“I want to move to NYC when I get older, but I hate buildings. And people.”

“She is such a basic white girl.”

“Were your parents on drugs when they named you?

The chatter is incessant and inane, but I sure will miss the resonance and vibrations of youth.

Today is my last day as a high school teacher, as far as I know; my contract was not renewed because, “The kids get the feeling that I don’t like them.” and a variation that I don’t fit in.

I am the teacher who managed to get a homeless student free teeth (his were rotten); I started a go-fund-me for a student who lived on her own, worked full time, and had a 4.0 GPA: we raised over $12k; I started a program where teachers and the community could purchase yearbooks for disadvantaged students; I was Student Senate Sponsor for 6 years and won Advisor of the year for the state of Wyoming; I am always the first person at school in the morning; I served on the District Curriculum Committee; I volunteer to chaperone every dance; I take tickets at sporting events; I am the teacher kids come to for advice, safety and love.

There is an underlying smarminess in this community. They do not like or embrace different. This is Parker, CO; a nonentity in special. To be regarded, you must either be from Colorado or you are, ideally, born and raised in Parker. Us aliens call it the Parker Pox.

I know, last bus to bitter now boarding… Elitism sucks. Especially when it isn’t elite.

I am nothing special. I just got what these folks don’t: a varied perspective.

In this little high school, I have seen racism, discrimination, and cyberbullying but the most sinister quality is ennui; an underlying acceptance of these things.

There is a complacency for change. For vibrancy. For diversity.

Take everything I say with a grain of salt, because you are only getting my side of the story. And I know they would vehemently disagree.

What I do know for sure is that I am a great teacher and an even better human for these kids.

And, if my pink hair and high-heels makes you uncomfortable, check yourself; don’t take it out on me.