This is one of those times where I wish I was a 8-3 teacher, who graded only what she could get done during the school day and left all school related issues at the door. I wish I could.
I have a former student, already graduated - so she is a big girl. As I am perusing my Facebook feed, I notice her picture - throwing up gang signs - and my blood begins to boil! I scroll down her wall and I see a posting regarding VLN. I instantly inbox her telling her I wish I was close enough to bop her upside the head. Then I start looking through her pictures...the tattoos she has had done - clear as day, the gang bangers and their pieces. I look to see who she has tagged in these pictures. My stomach sinks. So, now I go through her feed.
"I love my bruthas and sistas of this Almighty Vice Lord Nation...Happy Holy Divine Day 55"
There's my neon billboard - she is gone. I've lost her. We had a heated discussion, because I will be danged if I am going to let one of my girls go blindly and without a fight. And she starts telling me about all the good they do for impoverished blacks in their communities - they are an "organization that has been around since the '50s." It is all on the up and up. They are trying to empower her. And I literally shake my head at my monitor. Really? She bought that? I reassured that I would be there no matter what, there is nothing waiting for her at home - which is why this leap makes sense. She is not hearing anything I am saying. My stomach is tied in knots. My head is throbbing. I still can't make her see. But I wish I didn't care. I have buried 18 kids, I don't need to bury another. I only hope she realizes what she has gotten into before it is too late to get out of. God Speed, Gilligan Girl. God Speed.
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