Dual World Living

First Memory

My first memory of school was standing at the bus stop with the babysitter and my sister. I remember watching my sister as she entered the school bus. The sitter and I were supposed to wave good-bye. Instead, I started crying and running after the bus. I wanted to go to school because my sister made it sound like so much fun when she came home. 
I did not go to kindergarten, so my first real memory of school was first grade. I was living with my grandmother at the time. My grandmother was full of life, to say the least. Whenever I needed to use the restroom she would ask me if I had to “shit or piss.” So when I asked my teacher to use the restroom I informed her I needed to “shit.” You can image the surprise on my teacher’s face. Of course I did not understand why I was in trouble. I thought, “What? People are not allowed to shit at school?”

As I reflect on my childhood, I wonder about the number of children bewildered when they enter school. Social expectations at school can be extremely different from social expectations at home. Many of my teachers came from affluent backgrounds with education and curtesy as norms that influenced their expectations of student interaction. I specifically wonder about how hard it must have been for them to understand my world without enabling me.  

I am thankful for the teachers who were able to see who I was and help me understand how to live in two worlds. They did not demean my family or my culture as they began to embark on a journey that would last life time for me. Oh do not get me wrong, it took 13 years and about 36 teachers to support me through this journey but most of the teachers were committed to the cause.
Today I still love learning, miss school, and I still watch the school bus pass by my house with fond memories. 

Thank you teachers whoever you are and wherever you are for putting up with me.
This is just the beginning of my reflections on my dual world journey.

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