As I have begun to work with the individual personalities in room 109, I am convinced that like The Grinch, my heart has grown three sizes. I began integrating myself into the little community that is 109 two weeks ago as TA, and am fairly sure it would take a mob to pull me away now.
I first worked with Iain and Tyler in media arts (at which they both succeeded to put my computer skills to shame). I shouldn’t call it working however; I truly had a lot of fun! Tyler and Iain where both working on making their own autobiographical short films when I showed up, using the green screen, and learning to do voice-overs etcetera. Iain inspired me to try learning and improving my sign language, which I am now beginning to fall in love with. Tyler and I also had a blast recording his Russian and martial arts moves; he never fails to make me laugh. I wish I could skip the rest of my education, and only work with them!
I was introduced to the delightful Jemma and Jessica duo during their adventures in the world of tennis! Jemma had just gotten her nails painted bright pink, and loved showing me them, and then trying to find everything that she could see that was pink. I have never seen such a wonderfully colourful individual. We love to read together, and laugh at the funny pictures in books. Jessica keeps to her self I find, however she exceeds at tennis especially. We lost countless fuzzy yellow balls due to her sheer enthusiasm. She would swing the racket, and hit it as hard as she could, and it would go soaring over the chain link fence, into the brush. One of the days, after it had just rained all night, we went up to the Davies Street Park playground. It was beautifully sunny, and not yet too hot, with everything covered in rain drops. We played on the swings and the rope structure, until it was time to head back, with a smile on all our faces.
I have worked with Shyloe very little, although I would love to spend much much more time getting to know him. He is one of the sweetest boys I have ever met, and will not withhold a smile on any given day. Today Jessica and he were sitting on one of the couches in 109 having a great time. Shyloe wanted to hold Jessica’s hand, and she would let him at first, but then pull it away, just to let him know who was in charge. He would sit sullenly back, until she put her hand out, offering it to him, and he would smile again, and take it gleefully.
I have spent very little time with Ben, accept for today, when we sat, waiting on the couch before heading to the pool. I have spoken only a little with him, however I cannot help but notice how gentle and calm he tends to be. He has such beautiful illustrative hands, I had to take a picture or two just of them. While sitting and watching him, the memory of my childhood favorite “The BFG” comes to mind.
I talked for the first time with Karri today as well. She showed me the wonders of the various instruments on her iPad. I noticed her painting of “Scar” the other day, and got a chance to see another drawing she was working on, of a snake. She is quite an amazing artist, and I hope to spend more time with her in the future.
Josh too, keeps to himself, spending most of his time with Ray. I caught a glimpse of their relationship today, while they where having a snack. Ray was helping and encouraging Josh to eat and clean up independently.
I brought my camera in today, and took a few sweet photos of Jessica with Shyloe, Jemma and Naomi, Josh and Ben. They will be uploaded soon, so everyone can see them too.
I would like to thank the EAs, who have welcomed me warmly into their schedules and work spaces; they are all sweet, and work so passionately with the kids. All in all, I am so glad I get the chance to work with all these awesome people! And maybe, just maybe I can get a job after University, doing something like this.
Tanoa Spencer (Grade 11)