Throw away your television…

Is the song I currently have in my head, by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Why?” you may be wondering. Quite simply because we’re reading what may be one of my favorite books again in Sophomore Literature: Animal Farm. I’m asking students to pick a song they think is/can be used as propaganda and explain why. Yes, I would let “Throw Away Your Television” count.

In short: I am really enjoying being a second year teacher and JV, although I have discovered that I am still probably just as busy as ever now that College Counseling has passed on to my responsibility and certain JV activities (ie, Language Training) are very hard to coordinate. In regards to College Counseling: it is amazing what plans some of our students have as their goals and it is humbling to be a part of their process (as well as more than a little stressful, for students and teacher alike, thanks to things like the SAT and TOEFL).

One thing I have been thinking and praying about lately is what it means to be a teacher and seeing the face of Christ in my students. Students expect and want the best, they are demanding of time and energy. But why shouldn’t they? This is what God expects of us, and if I see Christ in the faces in the classroom, in offices, around campus, then I will be energized for work: to come up with ideas and work within and outside the class that will help each person become who he or she is with an understanding of both the world around them and the life within them. Yes, this may mean giving up some of those things that I find comfort – I would love to sit and watch a DVD, but why do that alone when I can be in my office with the door open for students who may want to stop by just to know there is someone there? The anticipation of grading can be dreadful, but students want feedback.

Even if the work of a day seems fruitless, simply being present for students whose lives are being filled with almost constant change – changes in culture thanks to Westernization, changes in themselves thanks to adolescence, changes in school policies, faculty, family, whatever it is – is an opportunity to remember that Jesus wants company. This begs the questions: How can I be more present to students? How can I be most loving? How can I make sure my lessons are student-focused and Christ-centered? How will I continue to do this and keep it up, when it's a Tuesday night and the week seems like it will never end? No answer other than to say: I'm sure the grace of God will keep me moving when it seems like I can't go, and I am glad that there is community for support and sharing.

Kinamwe. Peace.