From Melissa:
We’re continuing through Microsoft Office in our Computer Basics component, currently on Excel. But we’re 3 weeks in now, and if you’ve been with us since the start, you’re excited by what you see at this point. Class begins at 8, but we’ve told everyone to arrive at 7:45 to get settled in, and it’s proved challenging for many, as all but one rely on public transport which is at times unreliable, unpredictable, and unaffordable. And it doesn’t help that they travel from all over the district to get here. Today, I (Melissa) arrived at exactly 7:45, and you know what? 6 people beat me here—all of them students—with most others right on my heels coming in the door. Not only were those 6 early—half of whom had previously struggled with lateness–, but their computers were powered up and they were paired off and working together with peers of a higher knowledge level. There are so many crucial qualities for success we’re seeing develop—time management, initiative, resourcefulness, determination. They’re also following the example set by staff, as even our lead teacher came in on time despite being too sick to teach. This shows us they’re listening to and hearing what we’re saying, seeing what we’re doing, and making adjustments accordingly because they value it. It’s not always a bed of roses, but we could all stand to learn something from what we’ve seen today.
