Hi everybody. The entire Gaston experience has been remarkable, and I have learned a lot. Yet one encounter has really struck me the entire time. On our first day of volunteering, I took the opportunity to sit with the middle school children at lunch. One girl named Hailie invited me to her table. I was happy to spend lunch with her and her friend. They told me about the many daily experiences at KIPP and explained how they spent their time during and after class. The part that resonated with me was Hailie's account of why she came to KIPP and why she hoped to become a nurse someday.
Hailie joined the KIPP school in fifth grade and is now in seventh grade. When I asked her why she changed from public school to KIPP, she said in her honest and innocent voice that she left public school because she was picked on by her peers. One conversation was all I needed to recognize that she was genuine, yet being picked on was enough to make her want to switch schools so young. To me, it really stressed that the issue of bullying - regardless of style - is a running problem in the education. I felt upset inside because I understood from experience what she was dealing with, but I could also see her resilience as a dignified human being who simply wanted to do the right thing. This lifestyle, this way of being, is developed by the individual. I understand that it takes someone of strength to truly push aside hurtful things and approach every day with a smile. Hailie demonstrated this through her career interest.
When Hailie grows up, she wants to be a nurse and also wants to study cardiology. I found it admirable and impressive that she could even think of committing to such a specific career. After asking her why she chose cardiology, she provided and answer that was truly profound. Hailie's grandfather had passed away when she was in fourth grade. He died of a heart failure. I remember the pain that came with the loss of my grandfather. It took a long time after the funeral to finally adjust to losing the man I will always call my best friend. Yet I did not decide to become a doctor in an attempt to help people suffering from the same conditions. Hailie's desire to fix the wrongs at such a young age gave me hope.
We are not on the brink of disaster. We are not weak. We are not losing anything. No type of school or style of learning can make an entire personality. Genuine effort and care can come from anyone. This glorious truth and potential for all people starts with the self. Hailie is proof. I am absolutely honored to have had lunch with such a wise and young individual.
- Seabass
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