Jillian Kfoury
Grade 4, A.T. Cummings School, Winthrop
MWRA Youth Educator
As I walked out of my house the cool breeze whipped across my face. I hugged my jacket tighter around me. I had just come back from my last trip in from the house. I had to make sure I hadn't left anything behind. Turns out I hadn't! I was already exhausted and my hands hurt from carrying everything. I hopped in the car, placed my coffee in one of the cup holders, turned the radio on, and drove away. As I was driving I hummed to the tune of my favorite song. I almost forgot where I was going until I saw the big building looming overhead with the sign on the front "Arthur T. Cummings School" in big, bold letters. Suddenly, as I was looking for a parking spot a thought came to me, what if the kids don't like me, even though I had been teaching this job for years and the kids had always liked me what if this time things took a turn for the worst and they decided they didn't like me? Well, I better take that thought out of my mind and think positive. Once I found an okay parking spot I unloaded everything I could and came back for a second trip.
"Well that's the last of it," I said to myself as I walked into the big building.
I dragged all my equipment to the office and placed it on the floor.
"Excuse me," I said to the secretary. Immediately her head shot up from her work, a smile plastered her face. I continued, "I'm here to teach about the MWRA. Could you please direct me to where I am supposed to teach?"
"Sure," the secretary answered with a very cheerful voice. "I'd be glad to." Also she handed me a slip of paper as she directed me where to go. I was supposed to go to the multipurpose room.
"Thank you," I said when she was done. As I headed to the multipurpose room, I read the piece of paper that the secretary had given me. It said, The multipurpose room is all set up, I hope its okay for teaching. Thanks. -The Principal".
They have a really good staff here, I thought as I walked into a big room. Tables lined the back, chairs pushed to the middle in perfect lines, and a perfectly clean white board. Perfect! I set up all my materials which took about ten minutes. While I was waiting I plopped down in one of the chairs. It was actually quite comfortable! I checked my watch, almost time! ! !
I watched as every kid came in. They all had smiles on their faces because I was just an excuse for missing reading, writing, math, etc. I smiled back at them too as they took their seats. I explained to them that I'm a Youth Educator. A youth educator I said means that I teach about the MWRA. "Does anybody know what MWRA stands for?" I asked the class. One girl's hand shot up.
"Yes?" I asked.
"MWRA means Massachusetts Water Resources Authority," she said clearly and accurately.
"Yes, great job," I answered. Then I started teaching about the Quabbin Reservoir. I said that's where we get our clean water for drinking, washing, making things, etc. The whole class was watching very carefully except for two little boys in the front.
"Excuse me," I stopped in mid sentence. They still giggled and made little sound effects as I said it. I repeated. Finally they listened. "Could you please stop that?" I said in the calmest voice I possibly could. They both looked down at the floor.
"Sorry," they said in unison.
"Thank you," I said, relieved that they were done. A couple of minutes later I was done. "Any questions?" I asked. Three girls' hands shot up and two boys' hands shot up. Question, question, question. They were very good at asking questions. Finally they were done.
As the class left, they all waved goodbye. "Bye!" I said back. Finally, they were gone. "Whew!" I said. "Well, they weren't as bad as I expected." Thank goodness. I did pretty well, I thought to myself as I walked back to the office.
The secretary was still there and talking to the principal.
"Oh, hello!" he said as I walked over to say goodbye and thank you
"Hi! You have a really good staff and great students. Thanks so much for letting me come!"
"It was a pleasure!" he answered back.
"Bye!" I said as I left the huge building. I loaded all my things into the car, hopped in and started driving away. Well, that was a great day, I thought to myself as I drove away hoping that the beautiful day would keep on going great!! !
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