My week started with a kick in the chest from a dying deer. Here's where it went from there:The nation is in a financial crisis. I don't know if I'll have a retirement, insurance, or Social Security. The State legislature is in special session, cutting every agency's budget to make up for a sudden $275 million deficit! Just weeks ago, we had a huge surplus. Where did it go? Am I the only one asking? Who, pray tell, is keeping the books -- or cooking them?
The only budget protected from cuts right now is Education. Good for me, huh? Sadly, no. If Education can't be touched, our little South Park Academy becomes part of the Corrections budget, which CAN be cut. So, cut they did. They've let all of our part time teachers go, no night school, no summer school next year, no new hires to replace anyone who retires this year. Oh! And don't forget, several of us are sitting there with $1,000's worth of Interwrite boards that we can't use! I've already shared my feelings about that fiasco, I believe.
Corrections has already let 17 upper level officers go. Needless to say, moral is keeping company with the slings and arrows of misfortune in the nether world.
And then out of nowhere comes this bright spot. The ConQuest director asked me to be the keynote speaker at Graduation, which was held last week. Let's see, how do you paint a hopeful future for guys who are leaving prison with what they think are new skills and a fresh determination to make it on the outside, when the outside is as corrupt and grueling as the inside? The Big House or the White House -- it all gets mixed up sometimes.
Anyway, I delivered my commencement address. I was a whole lot nervous and a little bit funny. I tried to remember to talk slowly and look individuals in the eye. I willed my hands not to shake and tried not to bump the microphone with my teeth. When it was all said and done, 100+ convicted felons and their hopeful families stood on their feet and applauded.
That might not ring your chimes, but it was cathedral bells for me!
4 comments:
I am so proud of you!
You have perfectly summed up in a nutshell this "circling the drain" effect the world is experiencing, all while implementing bits to bring smiles to us in all the craziness.
I so wish I could have heard you speak. I know you rocked, and so does everyone else. Most importantly, your words will remain with them and enrich them forever. Thank you for bringing light and life to some sore hearts and stagnant minds.
I am so proud of you!
You have my applause too. I'm very proud of you. "You're da best!!!"
Wow, would I have loved to be there for your speech. You were one of the best things I can remember from elementary school!
--Amy Coleman, Butler Elem. 4th and 6th grades, 1986 and 1988
Amy.
Is that cute, funny, smart, little Amy Coleman? The one with the dimples and bouncy hair? So nice to hear from you Miss Amy. I love having names from my past show up in my present. Invite me to your blog so I can see what you're up to. I checked out your art work....you're amazing, girl! Too bad I can't take credit for teaching you that huh? I must've taught you SOMETHING you still remember. What is it?
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