January 15, 2020, Peach Springs-
This day’s assignment is one which is not uncommon, in an understaffed, rural school: I covered for a teacher who fell ill, of a sudden. The class has bonded with this person, who is their second teacher in this academic year. I was able to get the key activities of the day accomplished, and forged a fairly strong bond of my own with the kids, by day’s end.
What concerns me about this group of children is what has concerned me about so many similar groups, both urban and rural, over the years. So many young people cast aspersions on themselves, by extension, on their peers-and to some extent, on older family and community members.
A few of the more aware students, who are also the most meticulous and engaging members of the class, had mainly negative things to say about themselves. I only saw quality work coming from those students-and I saw a very thick coating of self-doubt: The imposter syndrome, writ large. Ten years of age is way too soon for such a mindset, so I see these, the best hope of the Hualapai Nation, being dragged down by the deep malaise-that infests Peach Springs- along with so many parts of Indian Country-and so much of the American Fabric.
I was told, later this afternoon, that it is likely that I will only actually be needed here for another week, that another round of permanent hires is expected, by the last week in January. Permanent is better, so I can only feel more confident in the short term future at this school. In any case, here is another group of children, another community, that has deeply embedded itself in my heart.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
I am sure your style and manners fit right in with these children and bring a calming kindness.
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That seemed to be the way, with a relaxed atmosphere helping to calm some initially distraught people.
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How sad 10-year-olds have self-doubt! They need that calming factor in their lives.
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I’m finding children being raised on a steady diet of anger, self-doubt and little support. There are good families here, yet the opposite tends to trend towards chaos.
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That’s unfortunate. When the bad outweighs the good, it becomes a vicious cycle.
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I have had some experience in interrupting vicious cycles, both in my own life and in social groups. Having a few connections to that community now, perhaps there will be a chance to do some good there, long-term, even if I don’t remain working in the school.
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Hi Teacher !!
Wow, a room, full of potential. When I walk into a room, and potential is there, I observe. I cannot reach the entire room, because not everyone wants to know that they too have potential. And that they should capitalize on that thought. I find one person. The one I think could take some “potentiality building” And I run with it. Single human building can affect an entire group. choose well the vessel you choose to fill. It only takes one soul to bring a message to his peers. Opportunity is there. Take it while you can.
Jeremy
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Exactly, Jeremy!
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