We all carry our bundle of prejudices, (mis)judgements, and beliefs. Some of them are visible to the self-reflective individual; others remain more hidden awaiting their glaring exposure to actual experience. Case in point, my recent travels to Ravalli County high schools as a newly baptized writing coach for WCM.
I signed on with WCM just a couple of months ago and – with trepidation – had walked into Big Sky High in Missoula for my first assignment. A couple of hours later and much relieved I thought yes, I can do this and possibly provide some value to students. Next up: Hamilton and Corvallis in Ravalli County – rural Montana, right? Much as I hate to admit, my initial reaction was one of mostly curiosity mixed with a hint of condescension. Could Ravalli students’ performance equal Missoula’s, university town, hotspot for creative writers, and self-appointed liberal guardian of the state? Boy, was I in for a surprise and a lesson in humility.
First, the teachers I met in all locations are equally committed, sincere, fun, as well as very patient. The concept of sainthood comes to mind when observing members of that profession. Secondly, the students I met with in Hamilton and Corvallis just blew me away. Three short examples: student A handed me his paper and admitted he had finished it in 20 minutes, just before our session. When asked why, he stated that his job of 30-40, sometimes 50 hours a week helping an elderly rancher run and keep his property allowed for limited time. I asked him when he slept or attended classes and he said, “whenever I can fit it in.” His paper was excellent. Student B read me a brilliant paper of the latest composition of the Supreme Court, its impact on current hot button issues, then closing the circle to the issue of aging American politicians and their (in)ability to understand young voters’ concerns. Very thoughtful in its presentation and superb in style, word choice and grammar. Student C had just been accepted at Yale!
Every single Ravalli student I met with worked after school, provided a solid to excellent draft on the assigned topic, had good social skills, came across as polite, sincere, and respectful, and was a joy to work with.
Driving home I wondered who is teaching whom…
