After a rather tumultuous start, the year finally came to an end. Adrian’s suicide had a ripple effect throughout the year, leaving all teachers and staff constantly vigilant. In my class alone there were several students “on-watch” and even a few suicide attempts. Through it all, it was inspiring to see our school community come together and overcome. Despite the weight of such events, we were able to keep the school moving forward.
We celebrated victories that outshone the years prior. Our agriculture students opened a community garden in coordination with the Multicultural Refugee Coalition and various other community groups. Our basketball and baseball teams made it into the state playoffs. A group of HOSA students advanced to state level competition and were invited to present their research on Healthy Living Choices at SXSW Edu. In true form, our FFA students placed 6th in the state and advanced to nationals.
Academically speaking, we put ourselves in a position to move out of the dreaded “underperforming” label. In Algebra, 84% of our first time test takers were deemed proficient by the state. Our U.S. History teachers achieved 92% proficiency, even beating some of the more affluent “west-side” schools. These are incredible feats when you consider that around 40% of our students are special population – Limited English Proficient, Special Education, or both. It is even more amazing considering the tone that was set that day on October 15th.
One of the highlights of my year was bringing a group of eight students to Boston over Spring Break. There were no beaches or sunshine during this trip. It was mostly bitterly cold wind and healthy dose of snow, at least by Texas standards. For many of my students, it was their first time on a plane, first time out of the city/state, and first time seeing snow.
I was shocked the first morning to arrive at breakfast around 7 AM only to meet all eight teenagers fed and ready to go. “Can we go play in the snow?” they asked. I looked at the ragtag bunch – thin hoodies, no gloves, jeans, and tennis shoes. “I hardly think you’re prepared,” I said. “We will be walking around in the cold all day and you guys are going to be sopping wet.” “We don’t care,” they said. “You will hear no complaining from us,” they said. They were right. And so the cycle repeated itself all four mornings. They were ready a half hour early every day just for the chance to make snow angels and pelt each other with snowballs. They then participated in every tour and every long, windy walk while soaking wet and undoubtedly bitterly cold. No one muttered a single complaint.
We walked the Freedom Trail, admired Fenway Park, shuffled our way through Southie, and imagined the initial outbreak of the Revolutionary War throughout Lexington and Concord. The students sat silently perplexed through a tour of the Old Manse House until our discussion at the end. Who was Nathaniel Hawthorne? What about this Thoreau character and his friend Emerson? What’s a transcendentalist? By the time we reached the House of the Seven Gables in Salem they were anxiously reading some of Hawthorne’s letters to his wife and appreciating the beauty of the language.
Thanks to the efforts of Seth, my roommate from Turkey, the students were able to meet a group of Harvard students. After short introductions they were allowed to ask questions. “What did you do to get into Harvard?” “How can I make myself more competitive?” And then as they got more comfortable – “Do you party?” Thankfully at this point, it was about time to close up shop and move on. I hope seeing students from similar backgrounds being successful at one of our more prestigious universities made an impact.
I was proud to see my students soak in the city. I can only imagine it was an overwhelming first trip for a majority of them. Even so, we had to practically drag them off the bus at the airport donning their Harvard and Boston College shirts. “Mr. Hawkins I am going to runaway now. I do not want to leave Boston.” “Okay well at least bring your bag with you. I can’t afford the extra $25 service charge.” They were all smiles until they were snoring in the back of the plane, completely wiped from a whirlwind of a trip.
The Snowball Heard Around the World – A snowball fight broke out at the site of Old North Bridge in Concord.
Such success as a teacher makes me feel at home in Austin. Not only do I enjoy the weather, the culture, the music, the plethora of outdoor activities, but I have a job that is meaningful, one that invests in something that matters. Having these sentiments led me to buy a house last October – something I viewed as not only a financial investment but also an investment in my school community, as I live within walking distance of campus. Now, when I involve myself in my school, I am inherently involving myself in my neighborhood. When I vote for issues affecting my community, I am able to vote with my students in mind.
Navigating homeownership has been a fun yet time consuming process. I am sure there are moments when my Dad gets tired of my phone calls about fixing things or financial questions. After traveling so much for most of my adolescent life, it feels strange to be so tied down, to have started to form roots. However, all in all I am enjoying myself. It feels nice to have a community and a sense of home.
The front of my crib.
To mark the shift to a more domesticated me, and as a small housewarming gift, my sister Lindsey brought this guy to visit in early April. His name is Red. Somehow Red did not return with Lindsey when she headed back to Waco. We have been enjoying Austin together ever since.
Red lounging in his photogenic fashion.
Red enjoying a hike of Lost Creek.
My summer has a few adventures in store. As we speak, I am sitting in DFW Airport prepping for a week-long trip to Kentucky. TFA friends Juli and Jamyle are getting married and have graciously asked me to play in the wedding. I will be exploring Louisville and Lexington before flying to Vegas for an educator’s conference. Upon my return I will be helping my friend Gregorio Casar gear up for his City Council run. Before I know it, another school year will be knocking at the door. Big changes are on the horizon for the math department. However, for now I am basking in the sunshine, a little relaxation, and some travel.
The Weight is a Gift 