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raefinlayWhen I'm not frantically writing or plotting (and sometimes while I'm frantically writing and plotting) I'm an admissions advisor for a vocational junior college. We are having orientation today for new students, which is exciting. I wasn't sure any of them would actually show up.
This job has made me think about some things.
Our target market is made up of former felons, could-have-beens, single parents who are babies themselves, and high school dropouts. We offer them a second chance to make something of themselves. It's a great opportunity and they know it. Still, taking advantage of that opportunity is, for them, as difficult as climbing Mount Everest would be for me. I guess I've finally learned what it means for people to be "disadvantaged."
They all have handicaps: low self-esteem, babies, unsupportive families, no transportation, illiteracy, Maury Povich, and a host of other tiny, clinging monsters that hold them back from going to school. For these students, just getting out of bed and arriving on time is a massive victory. One can't afford his uniform, because he "forgot" he had to buy it, and he spent his AFCD money on a new stereo instead. Another just found out she is pregnant (Again. Three kids, three men, but no daddies--all by the age of 19) One young lady can't come to school because her mother believes that women have no place getting an education; she should be looking for a husband instead. And of course, there is the young man whos felony is drug-related which disqualifies him for any financial aid.
It has made me sad, sad, sad. I wish I could get inside their hearts and tweak that beating muscle so it pounds out the message: Yes, I can! It doesn't matter what is in my past or what others think...I can do this! All the AFDC money in the world won't enact this crucial paradigm shift that has to occur inside a person before true change occurs. I've found that I have to get through to them on a very personal level in order to see any results.
And sometimes, I do see results. Little Adriana (who's parents don't speak English) rode the bus for an hour to get to orientation this morning. Jean came in with bronchitis just so she could meet her teacher. Cynthia got turned down for a loan 3 times before she was able to come up with the money. And I just got a call from Tina because she was soooo excited that she had finally signed up to take her G.E.D. that she just had to call me, and does this mean, Rae, that I can enroll if I pass??
They humble me. I have no excuse for failure.
Stolen from![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
everyonesakitty:
You are Inspiration Soup!! You live to Inspire
those around you with your green beany, white
chunky, red soupy goodness. Many have come and
lit candles in your honor. You've inspired
them to become better people. Thank you,
Inspiration Soup... thank you.
What Weight Watchers recipe card from 1974 are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
This job has made me think about some things.
Our target market is made up of former felons, could-have-beens, single parents who are babies themselves, and high school dropouts. We offer them a second chance to make something of themselves. It's a great opportunity and they know it. Still, taking advantage of that opportunity is, for them, as difficult as climbing Mount Everest would be for me. I guess I've finally learned what it means for people to be "disadvantaged."
They all have handicaps: low self-esteem, babies, unsupportive families, no transportation, illiteracy, Maury Povich, and a host of other tiny, clinging monsters that hold them back from going to school. For these students, just getting out of bed and arriving on time is a massive victory. One can't afford his uniform, because he "forgot" he had to buy it, and he spent his AFCD money on a new stereo instead. Another just found out she is pregnant (Again. Three kids, three men, but no daddies--all by the age of 19) One young lady can't come to school because her mother believes that women have no place getting an education; she should be looking for a husband instead. And of course, there is the young man whos felony is drug-related which disqualifies him for any financial aid.
It has made me sad, sad, sad. I wish I could get inside their hearts and tweak that beating muscle so it pounds out the message: Yes, I can! It doesn't matter what is in my past or what others think...I can do this! All the AFDC money in the world won't enact this crucial paradigm shift that has to occur inside a person before true change occurs. I've found that I have to get through to them on a very personal level in order to see any results.
And sometimes, I do see results. Little Adriana (who's parents don't speak English) rode the bus for an hour to get to orientation this morning. Jean came in with bronchitis just so she could meet her teacher. Cynthia got turned down for a loan 3 times before she was able to come up with the money. And I just got a call from Tina because she was soooo excited that she had finally signed up to take her G.E.D. that she just had to call me, and does this mean, Rae, that I can enroll if I pass??
They humble me. I have no excuse for failure.
Stolen from
everyonesakitty:You are Inspiration Soup!! You live to Inspire
those around you with your green beany, white
chunky, red soupy goodness. Many have come and
lit candles in your honor. You've inspired
them to become better people. Thank you,
Inspiration Soup... thank you.
What Weight Watchers recipe card from 1974 are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
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no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 10:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 10:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 10:56 am (UTC)Are you going to finish your Associates? I guess when you're a famous author, you probably won't even need it though... *g*
no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 11:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 02:33 pm (UTC)Neither do I. Thanks for the motivational message! I think what you're doing is great.
no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 02:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 02:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 03:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 03:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 05:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 05:36 pm (UTC)*lurves jodes and rae, too* :D
no subject
Date: 2004-10-01 05:57 pm (UTC)