FREEDOM

A quick feel-good anecdote. When we went to Mr. Adams’ AVID class this week, I got a chance to work one-on-one with a student who regularly comes to our Thursday writing group. We spent the class talking about all the good things she does and her plans for the future (a fringe benefit of the résumé assignment from our end, no doubt). It was a productive session that I really enjoyed. But what’s most interesting and uplifting happened at the end of our time when the bell rang and Mr. Adams passed out flyers to all of his student for an upcoming Shortridge Bingo Night event. At first, she talked about how she wanted to go, until she noticed the fine print stating that the activity is designed to promote literacy. “It’s supposed to be educational – I don’t want to go,” she said. To which I replied, “Does that mean you feel the same way about our group?” Without hesitation, she responded, “No, your group’s not like that at all. Your group is freedom.”