The first few days here in Mississippi have been intense. Even though the workload has been low-key during our orientation of sorts, coming to terms with the reality of the situation here has been somewhat disheartening. While I understood that the education system was crumbling, that prospect seems a lot less daunting when you can dismiss it as something vague, without a human face. Talking with everyone over the past few days and listening to their anecdotes have made the reality of the situation much more concrete and formidable. I was talking with a friend about when do you simply quit and deem the situation too far gone to salvage; to which I promptly received the answer: “Never.” And I guess that’s why I’m so excited to be here, because to give up on the system would mean to give up on the students, and that’s unimaginable to me. In the face of such a monumental challenge, I’m excited to be able to be even a miniscule part in the fight against it.
I’ve quickly learned that the south is most definitely not Massachusetts. Besides one that I had seen in a subway station, I saw my first cockroach (eek!). I also saw two lizards:
And I’ve become paranoid and convinced that I will have an encounter with chiggers.
I’ve also encountered some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Whether it’s someone who’s eager to wish you a good morning or someone who’s enthusiastic rather than annoyed when you ask for directions, everyone here seems intent on making me feel welcome.
Last night we went to Taylor Grocery:
What an experience! I’m not sure I even know how to describe it because I’ve never been experienced anything like it. It looks well worn, but in a rich, historical way (like a favorite book that’s been read over and over) rather than a rundown way. When you first arrive, there are tons of people milling about outside, talking, laughing. And inside the tables are small and the music booms, making it hard to hear the people right across from you. Rather than stifling conversation, the loud music seems to elicit it. It’s strange because each small, chattering table somehow coheres to form this pleasant atmosphere. Anyway, I’m rambling…
That’s all for now. I can’t wait to get down to work next week!
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