Entry 6

Today, I went into my classroom prepared to ask the students how they were doing. My mother said that asking this simple question would generate positive responses that I assume would end up benefitting my reputation as a teacher. This seemed like the perfect plan, until I asked the student who always plays loud, bumping music through her tacky headphones. The girl looked up and I saw bruises all over her face, her eye yellowing as if fading from an aging bruise. I wondered what this could be from, but still brightly asked him how she was doing. The student’s lips suddenly puckered angrily and his eyes watered in indignation – what was her problem? This is exactly why I don’t listen to my mother’s advice. So much for bettering my reputation. All I got was sullen anger from this kid who looked battered. She was probably some dumb jock. Her classmates began to whisper, shooting angry glances my way. Was I being insensitive now? This class confused me to no end.