Work and College Experience January 11th

Today, was my first day back to work. We had a meeting on what to expect and new changes around the center. I work in Stockton, California at a Child Development Center as a Student-Lab Aide. It is a very exciting job that I have grown to love as each semester passes.  I have been working for almost four or so semesters and this will be my last term working there because I will be transferring, God-Willing, in the Fall.  It is a bittersweet feeling from wanting to stay and help every child learn new things and make new friendships and long lasting relationships with the teachers and most importantly; my Boss.  At the same time, I am prepared and ready to go out into the University life and finally put what I have learned the past twenty years into action and become a journalist—-IT IS TIME! Everyone I work with are all so unique and helpful and they helped me decide my major.  Every thing I have done at the Center brought me to this point today.  I love children and some may say I am a child myself that is why as funny as that sounds I enjoy watching and taking care of kids. I helped my mother when I was in Palestine on and off when she was a teacher and loved it. I am twenty years old and recently turned the magnificent age in November. I am the youngest in the family so I have the “youngest child energy” all the time.  Since I was born i’ve been like this and I enjoy children; they are always alive and teach you new things every day! Some test you and make you become SUPER patient and that is even more of a blessing! Patience is the recipe to success and discipline and is one of the best qualities anyone can attain and live up too.

Back to my story, I always seem to get sidetracked when I write, you will all find that out as you read more of my random freewrites.

We had a meeting today with all of the workers discussing the new policies.  One was based off of the recent shooting that took place in Newtown Conecticut. Before I entered the center I honestly was thinking if our teachers were going implement more safety procedures and rules since the tragedy that happened. My boss is a very intelligent and wise woman, who has inspired me, and I knew she would be doing something. The Police at San Joaquin Delta College ran drills with the teachers at the Center a few days ago to show them a “what if” scenario of a shooter walking into the classroom and wanting to aim and fire and kill.  They faked a shooting with a laser and hid and had to act like “he” or “she” was coming and wonder where the best hiding places were.  As I am sitting listening to all of this for some odd reason, my mind wondered off to Palestine.  It always does, no matter what I am doing I am always always thinking of my country all my life.  I began imagining my school where I went too when I was back in my home.  I almost started crying as crazy as that sounds. I’m not one to cry easily, especially in public let alone at home and i’m looking around at everyone else and we are all so startled. We live in Stockton California, one of the top three most dangerous cities in America.  We honestly are soldiers our selves at SJDC, there is always a shooting, some sort of roberry, or attempted rape. Every day we hear a story of a teenager, a student, a criminal attacking someone so we are use to it.  However, having said that, being at work, in a professional environment and listening to a person who you love and admire tell you we have to prepare ourselves for a shooting because the world has become a scary place really slapped me in the face. I sat listened, so did everyone else and  pictured the children in Palestine. What they go through every day and how lucky America’s free children should me. My cousins, my neice and nephew, live in Palestine. They are always in danger even when it’s not war or constant fighting.  Do you see a comparison in this? Do you get and understand how children are children, we are all one. We are all human and innocent lives should not be taken for land, money, and power.

 

I have much more to say, but I will let you guys do the talking — share with me your thoughts— Thank you

 

• Misoon Ghareeb