Leaping into Absolute Joy Over These Next Two Weeks. Co-Teaching with One of the Best. Investing in the Young People We Love, & doing the Right Thing

Ubuntu Academy is now over a decade old. We began it several years ago, when Bridgeport Public Schools began to receive more African-born refugee youth in their schools. Having that background, it made sense to include them in the renovations I made at a National Writing Project site. Of course, William King and Jessica Baldizon were my graduate students who earned a degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages. The NWP ways was in them from the start. As we reflected this morning, so many of our kids have gone on to college, chosen success in their lives, and continue to model the best of the United States.

This year, our young people are from Brazil, Haiti, Equador, and Afghanistan. It is interesting where the populations arrive from each year and it still disgusts me to see how misrepresented migrating populations are across the country. 30+ years of working with relocated youth and all I've experienced is excellence. 

A woman came to pick up the Afghani girls this afternoon and quickly started speaking Dari. I asked if she was related and she said, "No, my husband and I came 40 years ago and were educated by the best schools the country has to offer. We both became physicians and retired a few years ago. We looked at each other and thought, What should we do in retirement to pay back all the greatness they received from the country they love?" They found IRIS in New Haven, began volunteering with families first arriving to the U.S. and now mentor adults and children as they find their groove. "They're just so smart and dedicated."

This is what I found and something I full heartedly believe. My grad students, too, already remarked how different the kids are than American-born kids. They're curious, thankful, brave, and funny. They come to learn and not play games. Ironically, they're put into American schools where the kids act like brats, disrespected adults, and have the backing of their parents." 

I'm not sure where the anti-immigrant hatred and vitriol come from as all the communities I've ever known have found the families to be thirsty for a wonderful life and incredible contributors to the fabric of the nation. The only ugly, I've found, has been in the hearts of the nastier side of our nation. It's bizarre, really, to see the sentiments they weave with their narratives. Of course there are bad eggs from time to time, but watch the evening news. Our own people commit heinous crimes that shock me on the daily. 

All I know is that we challenged the kids to stake a step forward in their learning and that we are here for them when they're ready to LEAP. This is what Mr. King modeled. This is what our program models. This is what I love with all my heart. When Lopez Lomong carried the American Flag at the Beijing Olympics, I had tremendous pride for our country. That is the nation I believe in...the one with super diversity, a strong work ethic, and tremendous respect for democracy. That is not what this nation is today.

It's perplexing and sad.