Online Journal

October 6, 1999:
     Today I taught French at Rountree bright and early at 8:00 this morning. I have nine students, and they are so much fun. Though I didn't feel as though I got much accomplished, at least the kids seemed to have fun and were on their feet. At one point, Luc raised his hand really high and waved it back and forth frantically, "I know how to say something in French," he boasted to me. "Really?" I asked in a surprised voice, "And what would that be?" "Bonjour," he answered without hesitation. "Great," I replied. Suddenly another hand shot up in the air, but this time it was Alois', "I know how to say something in French," he exclaimed. "What can you say in French?" I asked him. "Bonjour," he said with huge grin on his face. "Wonderful," I smiled. Again, the same statement came up, "I can say something in French," and the same response, "Bonjour," was given. Within seconds, everyone's hands were up as they bounced in their chairs to share with the rest of the class that they too could say the word "bonjour." This particularly makes me laugh because you wouldn't see something like this take place in college. It's hard enough to get one student to raise his hand to say something in class, but to have an entire classroom of bouncing college students. Now that would be a sight to see :)
     Unfortunately, my second class did not go nearly as well. They too were rambunctious, but not nearly as attentive. I was in a complete shock when it came to be 3:30, and there was not a student to be found. Then out of nowhere, nineteen 4th and 5th graders come into the room scrambling to different tables. And although I taught for 45 minutes this afternoon, I feel as though my 3rd grade students learned more in the 30 minute class this morning. This only supports my theory that smaller classroom sizes allows students learn more in the same amount (or in this case, less) time.
     After the craziness that took place this afternoon, the children were dismissed to go home. Only a few of them were still at school waiting for their parents. I ended up staying after for an hour and a half, waiting with Thierry for her father to come pick her up. It was a heart-breaking sight to see. She sat there telling me stories about her life with watery eyes gazing every few minutes at the street. Everytime a car passed by, you could see the disappointment in her face as she realized it was not for her. I learned a lot about this little girl, and before long I too, was feeling edgy everytime I would see a car go by. Luckily we played some "I Spy" to pass the time, and it seemed to keep her mind off of the situation. I would definitely say this was an experience I will never forget, especially the way her face looked, the relief when her father finally did come. It made me feel like a child again, dependent upon a family member to get where I needed to go. That terrible long wait reminding me of when I was in daycare and how I always desperately wanted to go home, counting the minutes until my parents should be there. I hadn't felt like that in such a long time. The disappointment and anticipation I too had once experienced had been long forgotten, or chosen to be forgotten.

As always,
Shannon

October 3, 1999:
     Friday's threats were a hoax. They haven't yet found who wrote the letters and probably never will. Apparently there were gun shots that went off along National and Grand, but not the shooting that was predicted (thankfully). Also there were two trashcans that were set afire inside Carrington, but that was all. It may have been the rumors of snipers on the top of the buildings around Carrington that discouraged the author of the letters.
     This weekend I worked at the "Expanding New Horizons" convention. I had a good time. I was a presenter for the "European Shopping Spree" and presented information about the French franc and conversion factors. FuN FUN :)   <--only further proving I am a math nerd.
     This Wednesday I begin teaching French again, only this time at Rountree. I am so excited. I had been fretting over finding a school to teach at since the beginning of the semester (August). After being turned down by eight different schools, it was a delight to finally find one that would let me teach, especially since I need 40 hours by the end of this semester to pass French 300. God works in mysterious ways. And I realized that once I learn to give things up to Him, and let Him take care of my troubles, my life will seem less frantic and things seem to run so much smoother. It's such a simple message that I've learned so many times before, but somehow in tough times I tend to forget it. Just as the majority of this world, I am always thinking I can take care of things myself. I sometimes just need a simple reminder.

Shannon.

October 1, 1999:
     Today is it. This is the day specified in the letters. Yesterday, there were three letters found in men's restrooms across campus. The messages were threats of a shooting to take place today, October 1, near Carrington Hall. Luckily I don't plan to be near Carrington today, so I am not too concerned for my well-being. Unfortunately I do have many friends who might be. It is for them I worry. I wonder how many students are going to show up to school today. How many of them are as crazy as I am? ;)
     I have heard that the media is advertising Columbine again. I wonder if that has some underlying thing to do with this whole ordeal. I'd go out on a limb and say yes. It really doesn't surprise me though. So some crazy wacko at campus now wants as much attention as the Columbine shooters. You think negative attention would wear off by the end of elementary school. Apparently it doesn't. What is driving me up the wall is how much local news stations are eating all of this up. I might even venture to say they are enjoying it, but they don't have to go to class today and worry it may be their last.
     I have a test this morning, and though I had a difficult time studying last night, I think I'll do alright. It's almost 9:00 now, so I must be off to school soon. May the Lord watch over the campus today in keeping the students and faculty safe. His will be done.

God Bless,
Shannon.