Full Circle

Let me start by expressing my yearn for great language abilities. Some writers put words together so poetically I can't help but envy that ability while I'm here slapping words on a string. I feel like language is an art, a subject I forfeited when I realized it couldn't compare. What a shame.

Well, I finally got a job.Ironically, it's an art class haha. As I was taking in the sights on my drive to the school, the familiarity of such a low income community was daunting. I never knew I was poor, but in visiting grandpa's house every weekend growing up, I knew what I used to live in. I no longer put much thought to it primarily because it's part of my past. I grew from humble beginnings and that's all it was to me. I think of Vietnam when I think of poverty, not so close to home. That drive alone reminded me of what things used to be like for my family and had me counting all the blessings that have me where I am now.

Lucy Laney Elementary School in Minneapolis is my post. A wave of realization that this is out of my element washed over as I glanced at the bars around the main office windows. The on staff policeman also caught my eye and already I had a hunch on what I was in for. During the interview, I could see the desperation in the interviewer's eyes, I was going to be getting this job so long as I agree to commit.

I know it'll be a challenge but to be honest, it's about time I up the anty and stepped out to help a student body that intimidates most teachers. I'm new, probably naive, but very driven. Why not? Let me at'm.

It's ironic, the area where this school is reminds me so much of the Hanover Townhomes in St. Paul, where my humble roots are. I believe there are three types of lifestyles that stem from places like these. The first of which never leaves, there seems to be a glass ceiling above them and they are landlocked in this lifestyle from start to finish. The next would be the person who is able to climb up the social ladder and onto the level of comfort and stability. Once this level is reach, they never turn back and stay as far away as possible. With me, however, I'm back where I once started, but I played a very different role than I once had. First of all, I'm much older. Second, I'm not the one needing help, this time I'm providing it.

I can't help but feel that I was brought here to help. I was given the chance to live comfortably despite the odds. This is because I meant to go back to my roots and uplift anyone who needs it and hopefully giving them the assistance needed to be great for themselves and others. I'd come full circle and I'm sure it was entirely on purpose.

It feels great. I can't wait for this to kick my ass, and for me to bounce back at it with a vengence.

Now if only I had a knack for art. lol