Childhood

During the last month of school I was helping a couple of girls bc they wanted me to take some pictures for them.  They came out pretty decent as you can see.  It was a couple of hours on two different days then I spent another few hours to edit them.  I felt like they really appreciated it and were very happy with the results.

I gave a test to that same class later on.  Those two girls acted like they didn't even know me.  They refused to take the test and even talked back to me.  The typical response to this was that's how students are, what can you do?

At home me and my niece were also turning into best friends.  We hung out, played together, she kissed me on the cheek, and we took pictures.  The very next day I came downstairs and as I approached her she started yelling and tried to hit me.  We were no longer friends.

In Moldova, kids are expected to act like adults, more so the girls than the boys.  They're expected to work in the garden, prepare food, clean the house, buy groceries and behave.  But then they get to school and I'm not sure what the expectations are.  And where are the role-models to teach correct behavior?  Where are the parents to guide their kids through life?

As much as I was disappointed with my students I looked at my niece and realized that they really are just kids.  I realize where they are coming from and the factors that influence their life.  There's only so much you can expect of them in this ironic life they live. 

A few hours later my niece and I made up.  As for my students, I have yet to see them again and probably never will.