What a week it has been. Why? Well, I finally started a job this last Wednesday. I am working at Mesa High School as an Instructional Aide in a Severely Intellectual Disabled class. It has been quite an experience already, let me tell you.
The very first thing that I did upon entering the classroom was, the teacher asked me to take a student named Gavin outside to walk around the field with another teacher taking another kid. She was like, he's flighty, he likes to run away. I heeded the warning and started walking with him, really following him. Well, he did run...towards the fence, where he stopped, looked at me and laughed. We walked (and ran) around the field three of four times. A lot of the kids are confined to a wheelchair. Almost all of them have trouble talking if they talk at all, and most are wearing diapers which we have to change, and we need to feed them if they can't feed themselves.
Well, update: Gavin now follows me around, and he doesn't run off. On Friday, I decided to take him out for a walk around the 100 building that has a huge hall that is air conditioned. He stuck by me for the duration of the walks (I went with him twice and got 17,000 steps that day). I just point to the library and the posters on the wall. He doesn't respond. And we wait while passing period is underway. He just follows me around the block now, and I don't have to worry about losing him.
I think the class has about 8 or 9 students. However, we averaged about 5 each day. On the first day, there was a student named Hunter who also is flighty and who they keep in a wheelchair strapped down. I got close to him and he literally snatched the glasses off my face. Fortunately no harm was done to me or the glasses. He also bounces up and down in his wheelchair. It doesn't have wheels that the student can reach, so that's quite the feat. Also, he makes clicking and quacking noises to communicate. He didn't come the last two days.
After three days, I think I am finally used to my work environment and getting my way around the school. I thought working at a high school was going to be scary and something I am not use to, but it has actually been rather nice. I have been truly blessed to get a job. I had lunch with Aunt Kerry on my first day there. Yeah, she works at the school I'm at. I have been doing my best to represent.
That said, I'm looking for extra work to do. I have been applying for an online tutoring company, as well. I had to send a minute long video teaching something that I am passionate about. In the sample video, the lady taught the best way to make chocolate chip cookies. So, I decided, since talking about cookie baking was off the table, that I would talk about music, and in particular the Grand Staff and the Treble clef. I drew the Grand Staff on a piece of paper and in a minute, which isn't a whole lot of time, I taught. I felt good about it. Hopefully, they email me soon.
The tios have had another person over to stay at their house. His name is Cameron Ramirez. His mom knew our mom in Blythe, and yes, he is from Blythe. He is in the air force, asked to be stationed out here for about a week and a half (until the 31st). He's a super nice guy and it has been good talking to him.
Gracie and I went to her school football game on Friday night. We got there in time to witness a touchdown play. There were four minutes left in the half, but they stopped the game, a delay due to the lightning afar off. So, they told us to go to the auditorium to wait and not to stay on metal stands. Well, we probably wandered around for a good amount of time, taking a picture with the Eagle mascot, before we decided to leave. We went to Walmart where we played Mario Cart and a punching game. It was a fun time.
Other than that, it's been a laid back weekend. I went to Goodwill yesterday because they were having a half off sale that they have every two weeks on a saturday. I bought some more pants, partly because I ruined my Khakis in the wash the other day. I'm getting one of them tailored which will be ready next Saturday. I also went to the temple yesterday to do initiatories. It was a nice time.
No real good Sunday news. I went to a branch today that started earlier than the time that was listed on LDS meetinghouse locator. So, I looked for a 2pm church. Found one. They were nice to me in Priesthood, and the lesson in Sunday School was really good, even though I knew nothing about Hezekiah to begin with. Honestly, I am still feeling Guerrero Park Branch.
Life is good. Sarah's in Utah right now because Shaunna asked her to take her, because of her mom. Her mom isn't doing too well at this time. She is probably at the equivalent of where Grandpa was, so prayers out to her family would be nice.
Love you bud. I can't wait to hear from you. I know the US Open is beginning tomorrow, and first BYU game is next week. Lots to look forward to. Send me a line.
Love ya,
John
