Spring?

It's Thursday... and I have yet to write on the blog. Please don't think I'm forgetting, because this is clearly not the case. I have only been debating whether or not I have significant contributions this week... but honestly, the standard I have devised for myself does not warrant substantial life-changing information... (or at best, rarely) :) So here goes...

I begin with a question mark behind Spring... because it is not quite evident whether or not the weather has decided to embark on a new season. The temps today suggest it would rather remain in the "sprinter" faze. (I personally think this combination of words is clever and timely, considering that track season has now begun) :)

Speaking of running, I have been diligent in my exercising efforts the past few weeks, which has subsequently given me quite a bit of energy! This is a concept I have been reflecting on lately- the idea that we all have strengths within our very personalities... and I would consider a strength of mine to be 'energy.' The task I daily assume, therefore, is to channel my energy in positive directions, such as being attentive to the subtle needs and graces of the students I work with. Another tangent thought: I find my days are more fulfilling when I am able to cease worry and allow my faith in God to manage all the challenges of the day.

So, I previously wrote of my departure for Easter break, and I should mention that it was an enjoyable time spent with family and good friends. Perhaps a few of my highlights would be: 1. a wonderful and invigorating conversation with my mother, regarding my time here at Red Cloud. 2. Seeing and spending time with my friends Denise, Janice, and Nealy. 3. Being together with all my extended family for Easter Day.

Wow, funny how one can summarize so many beautiful hours in a few sentences. I think most of you realize the beauty of a break- so I will leave it at that. :)

Upon returning to Red Cloud on Tuesday, I had the satisfying feeling of peace as I entered the campus of Red Cloud. It really is beginning to feel like home- obviously in some different ways than my home in Arlington (which will also feel like home forever, in other ways). I feel as if I 'fit' into the atmosphere of Pine Ridge, a rather laid-back, simplistic, and realistic way of life. Granted, I don't think these aspects are unique to the Rez, but for its geographical location, I would say the environment definitely retains a unique & rather 'set-apart' feel. An interesting connection might be made in the choice of terms 'set-apart', which is the definition of the word 'holy'. Yeah, I could see the connection. For as much as the Pine Ridge Reservation consistently struggles with some extremely difficult conditions (precisely for their economic isolation), the Rez also possesses a richness, a sense of sacredness, of being 'holy.' Perhaps I cannot explain myself better than this, but I stand by this rather unexpected comparison.

Yesterday I entered the school building ready for whatever might come my way... and besides substituting for my friend Katie's Spanish class (don't worry, the students were not forced to listen to me stumble over Spanish words I can't pronounce... worksheets are the answer!) :)...I had a rather calm day. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the students after this extended break, and I look forward to a month with more days of school than days off! :)

My Lakota language class last night was a whole lot of fun! We played an alteration of 'charades'... involving the pronunciation of an action verb and a proceeding demonstration of the action... followed with large amounts of laughter from everyone else. Ha, yes- good bodily-kinesthetic learning taking place, that's for sure! :)

And here I sit, substituting once again for Katie (who is gone for a grad school visit)... with a whopping TWO students in class. :) The juniors are testing for ACT reasons, and the other three seniors in the class are gone on a basketball/college visit. Yep. 2 students. Sometimes life treats me roughly. :):)

Okay, I'm signing out- hopefully you are also experiencing peace in your lives... especially after this Easter season, a season of hope, renewal, and energy! :):)

Excited about the hope found in students' creativity and the springtime flowers,

Emily

It's Easter!

I write this blog shortly before taking off for Easter vacation.... actually only an hour before departure...I am assuming super-speedy typing skills for this task...

What better way to begin this post than to relay a brief interaction with a senior student this morning- which really began my day on a good note. I came into my office, to be quickly joined by a number of students eager to eat the (slightly green) bananas. As I was sitting there chatting with a few students before school began for the day, a senior came to grab a banana and leave me with this: "My, Emily, you're looking radiant today." Ha! What a great compliment. I think I smiled a bit brighter all day, thinking to myself that I evidently looked radiant, I should be radiant! :)

This short story really characterizes my day in general- and the several days preceding today as well. It has been a wonderful week, I am feeling on top of things here in the office, despite the short 3-day weeks, and I am continuing to relish the great relationships I have with so many students here. I have definitely come a long way in terms of learning what type of interaction is best received from the students, while still maintaining the line of faculty/student structure. It's a never-ending art for all teachers here at Red Cloud.

I am both happy and sad to report that the boys received 3rd place in the State A Basketball tourney in Sioux Falls this past weekend. I am happy because 3rd place is a tremendous accomplishment which should be celebrated, yet I am sad because they had their hearts set on the championship trophy, and couldn't quite pull it off. -One of those games, you know, where things happened right for the other team and wrong for us. I particularly feel bad for the seniors who obviously have been taking it with a sense of loss, although they seem to be bouncing back quickly.

Another positive note in the high school: we just received word that 12 of our 13 applicants for the Gates scholarship (a need-based full-tuition scholarship for minority students to attend any college or university through the doctorate level) made it to the final round, which basically means they simply need to fill out some confirmation details and will receive the scholarship. Hurray!!!

'Tis the end of the 3rd quarter here at Red Cloud, which means that our school year is quickly coming to a close. I do not yet know how I feel about this, considering it is sometimes difficult to feel at all, when the immediate proximity of students overtakes all sense of reflection... Yet I will say this: when I think about saying goodbye to these seniors- and the sadness I encounter- I cannot help but think how difficult it will be for those faculty members who have known them for much longer than I. It's strange to be in this role as faculty vs. the role I am accustomed to, as student. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the senior spring retreat, in which many tears are shed (I'm told) in saying goodbye and thinking toward the future.

I didn't mention that I also had the chance to catch up with some dear friends and family over the weekend, which was wonderful! My sister and brother-in-law just signed on their new house mortgage, and I was able to assist in moving their belongings. I am grateful for being in SD for many reasons, and one of which is being closer (than most volunteers) to home.

Another reason I feel it was a great decision to come here to Pine Ridge is the receptivity of students toward a native South Dakotan. Granted, I use the term native to imply I have never known another permanent home (not in regards to my ethnicity), yet in some miraculous way, it connects me with the students... and they all respond with "Oh, that's cool!" when I say I'm originally from Arlington, SD. Who knew, huh?

I haven't written recently about my weight lifting classes. Overall they have been doing really well. I have the football coach with me during the period of 19 guys (recall the crazy 7th period class of last semester?) and they maxed out on a few lifts this week. I was thus inspired to max out on my own bench press- which came to a whopping 105 pounds. There you are, real facts about the muscle capacity of Emily Fischer.

My time is quickly coming to an end. I shall thus depart toward that which I aspire to be a relaxing and family-filled Easter break. (I have been reading Jane Eyre, the reason behind my 'thus' and 'aspire') :) I wish you all a mighty, splendid, and peaceful Easter season- in whatever way you decide to celebrate.

Sending Christ's love from me, a girl in a pink shirt with a 'radiant' smile on her face,

Emily

Another short week...

Judging by the length of my last reflection, I am perhaps being a bit too detailed for everyone's sake. I shall try to adjust my writing- although details are what I feel makes my life wonderful (and supposedly entertaining enough to provide a few good stories).

I am currently sitting here substituting for the physical science teacher, and I have Dakota with me right now. He wished to be included in this post, so here he is: Dakota. Now he reads this and says, "Ah, I was messing around, don't write 'he wished'." Not sure if you should believe that or not. (I still think he 'wished') :)

Today I am happy, I think it's because I was able to run outside yesterday! I was really excited to have the chance to run on the outside track by the fitness center- and what do you know, but I ran into (not literally) my friend Robin from church. We were able to walk together for awhile, and it was great to enjoy the afternoon in such a manner.

It is, as my title suggests, another short week for us at Red Cloud, as we are now preparing to travel to the Boys State A tournament in Sioux Falls. I am not sure of my ride yet, but it'll all work out....surely, right?

Yep, only one more day of school this week, then two more 3-day weeks to follow, since Easter break is quite a few days. Anyway- talk about something more exciting, Emily. Oh, yes... last weekend I was able to travel home for the girls' State A basketball tourney in Watertown, stay with my parents, and witness the girls play some good ball... and some not-so-good ball. Overall, they really had a great season, with a strong finish as 6th at state. They lost their first game to the eventual champions, West Central, and the score margin was similar to the championship game... so they have nothing to be ashamed of. (A fight did break out between some angry Red Cloud mothers, of which I am not happy to report, so I will leave it there. Bad way to end the season... and the girls were shocked... but a good welcome-home celebration hopefully mended some ill feelings.

I am smiling now. When I don't exactly know what else to write about, I try to describe how I am at that exact moment. There you go... a little chuckle to myself as I write this....

Ah, yes. My Lakota language class. Last week I ended up getting a good score again on my quiz, and tomorrow, guess what? That's right! (assuming you read minds).... I am having a mid-term exam. Hard to believe it's already at that point in the semester, but yes! We are to present a 2 minute speech in Lakota about anything we want. Mine's pretty good (reading over this, I once again chuckled to myself at the absurdity of this statement), I basically say the same sentence over and over again, substituting various family members names and descriptions. Hey! I'll give you a sample. (NOTE: If you are a native Lakota speaker and are reading this, please forgive the occasional mistake which might pop up unexpectedly) :)

Hau. Emily Fischer emaciyapi. Mahpi ya Luta Owayawa el wati. (Hi! My name is Emily Fischer. I live at Red Cloud Indian School) Wakalapi na mni wastewalaka. (I like coffee and water.) Atewaye kin Wayne Fischer eciyapi na Ina waye kin Melanie Fischer eciyapi. Arlington, SD el tipi. (My father's name is Wayne Fischer and my mother's name is Melanie Fischer. They live at Arlington, SD). THERE YOU GO! My first official Lakhota paragraph. I can always write more, but you must special request, in fear that this is dreadfully boring to some.

Okay, I guess there's not a whole lot coming to mind at present. I realized this weekend how appreciative I am of my parents, supporting and suggesting all my various activities throughout my school years, because I know I have definitely benefited from the many experiences- and not many kids here are able to have those opportunities. Little high-school flashback for me, explaining to my fellow volunteers all the random activities I participated in during high school. :):)

I do want to send out a generic (but extremely heart-felt) apology to any friends and/or family members who happen to be reading this and thinking.... "Hey, why isn't Emily using this time to call me? After all, it's been one and a half decades since I've spoken with her!" I know, although it might be a slight exaggeration to say it's been decades (come now,)... I do feel disconnected for some reason with dear ones, and I apologize! Perhaps when ball season ends, I will be better about that. Perhaps... but you're welcome to get on my case about it as well. I shall accept criticism regarding this matter. :)

Okay, sending much love, as I look forward to stepping out into the 60 degree weather to go start my bus! (notice: I did NOT say 'warm-up' the bus. Hurray!)

Smiles, and a sweetly slight cock of the head,
Emily

State Bound Again!

What up?

(this is how I address several students. Although it may be difficult to envision me saying this naturally- it's quite the phenomenon- that I invite you to experience sometime!).

The good news of the week? Well, our boys basketball team, who have all been working tremendously hard- not only this season, but throughout the year- preparing for this moment, successfully attained what they set out for... a chance at the State A 2008 BB title. A little background information: basketball is the culmination of life and energy on the Rez (I believe I've mentioned this in previous blogs)... and last night, our boys team beat the #2 team in the state, St. Thomas More (2006 & 2007 state champions, at that)....The score was 55 to 54, or something close- with the outcome determined largely on accurate shooting from the free throw line. "Well done, Saders!" I say in my scratchy 'I yelled all day yesterday' voice.

I feel as if I'm leaving out the wonderful details which make stories worthwhile...so here are a few anecdotes (a term my housemate Mike enjoys using)... So Tuesday had been looming in my mind as a pretty event-filled day, and I was entirely accurate, only slightly underestimating the stress which would come w/ the day.... Ha, bet you're curious....

Yesterday (this being THE Tuesday)... I was busy planning good-luck packages for the boys' team (regional game) and the girls' team (leaving for state in Watertown) Oh yes, and I was also in charge of planning the pep rally for state)... this all in addition to a million and one random requests from students, generally related to the fan bus for the boys regional game. (One might never consider the necessary details and sometimes unnecessary requests created by students desiring to ride the fan bus- until one actually organizes the aforementioned fan bus). (AND- One might never realize how often a 'student activities' directors gets asked the question: "So, what do you DO all day?"). I smile and reassure myself that my position is entirely worthwhile, and students know seemingly little about organizational responsibility.

Sorry, that sounded wordy and academic... and quite frankly, this isn't a wordy and academic job. Here: TOO MANY STUDENTS, SOME COMPLAINING, MUCH CREATIVITY, LOTS OF EXCITEMENT...all fell into my lap Tuesday. So, I manage to pull off leading the pep rally minus a microphone (which came as I was finishing my final directions)... and yelling an entire roster of players above the perpetual claps of a 250 person crowd hurts the throat a bit, I must say.

One learning experience: don't trust the roster you hastily print off the website, because this roster may happen to omit a very wonderful girl (whom I also teach in weight-lifting). And so, after excitedly listing off and calling down (supposedly all) the players, I begin mentioning the coaches, at which time the head coach whispers this girl's name- and I immediately feel awful, announce her name of course (a few guys help out by chanting her name), and she initially refuses to come down, with tears filling her eyes. Way to go, Emily, perhaps one of the worst moments for this dear girl. I think she's only partially scarred by the experience, as I later explained the stupid (on my part) mishap...and she smiles graciously... but still! I did feel horrible.

Okay... on to the fan bus. We are all set at 8am Tuesday to take 45 students. 12pm, it becomes 50 students. 3pm, 55 students, 4:30pm- a fluctuation between 55 and 60 students (no stress involved here, of course) "Hey Emily! Can me and someone else ride the fan bus?" (1/2 hr. later) same person: "Emily, we want our money back. We have a ride." Yeah! I'm not busy at all, let me just take care of that for you! :):) Okay, honestly, it wasn't that bad, but managing the plans of (at least) 15 unsure students is not easy.

So, 5pm... we gather the last of the (54) students and head off to Rapid...oh, I haven't mentioned the horrible weather conditions. Yep, sure enough- Me, having relatively little concern for weather forecasts suddenly becomes aware that roads are NOT favorable. Yet we set off anyway.... Getting to the Civic Center is no problem, I haggle w/ a few rude fans who won't give up their seats for our Red Cloud students (by the way- these fans didn't even cheer. Just sat on their stubborn butts throughout the entire game... as I tried hard to keep my negative comments purely personal... while standing in the aisle of the bleachers, cheering my heart out).

AND WE WON. Overall a wonderful game. If you're entirely interested, I'm sure articles have been written elsewhere. I cheered and yelled a lot, as one might imagine, and I was blissfully clueless concerning the large amount of snow and ice that was forming on the roads outside. After the game I become aware of this potentially dangerous situation, speak with our concerned Superintendent (who happens to be great, by the way), and dedicate myself to careful and attentive driving (don't worry, I do in more favorable weather conditions as well). :) We make it to McDonalds to eat quickly before the long ride back, but not before enjoying the extraordinary debut of Emily's bus fishtailing. Ha, I did receive a few cheers from the students, who apparently noticed my mad maneuvering skills. :)

And the roads were slick. I was tired (but not extremely).... and along with one other fishtailing episode, we made it back safely to Red Cloud by the early time of 1:30am. EARLY in the MORNING that is! So, a two-hour late start was entirely welcome... YEY!

I just now spent a lot of time typing one story- precisely one day's worth. Gosh, I apologize if you're bored. I guess that's the story for the day- as I visualize all of you beginning to scan this blog like a text book, looking for anything interesting and letting the rest slide. Don't feel guilty, it's totally fine. I understand.

Highlights from the rest of the week. I still (somehow) am managing an A+ in Lakota Language... just aced another quiz today (on kinship terms... crazy stuff, I tell you!). I am packing up tonight to head to Watertown with Katie, John, and Peter (who all, by the way, happened to assist in chaperoning the fan bus last night!) for the girls' State A tournament. I am thoroughly excited, and my wonderful mom is preparing good food and clean sheets to sleep on! What more could I ask for?

I love the students. Oh yes, one great story I thought I'd share: So this sophomore, (we'll call her Sharon)... is quite the cool girl, helping me with Lakota, sharing her boy fears and dreams with me, and always commenting on my hair and clothing choices. Anyway- I introduced her to Natasha Bedingfield's song: "Single" about how great it is to be comfortable and confident being single. This was quite awhile ago, and we enjoyed it together for awhile- and her interest seemed to dissipate. However, in the last few weeks, I have enjoyed the (more than) daily moments in which Sharon will walk past me singing this song and dancing with enthusiasm, to which I respond with my own crazy dance move- and she erupts in giggles and heads off to class. I love these moments. (by the way, her 'boy drama' has calmed considerably, and I think she is ACTUALLY becoming okay with being 'single'!). See how my stories reveal the deep source of my joy with these students? Yep- that's right. Little things become meaningful with consistency and sincerity of relationships.

Yep, that's enough for now. I think this is a rather long blog, but I am a little late, I realize, so to you regular subscribers, I thank you and wish you God's blessings for remaining interested in my event-filled life here on the Pine Ridge.

Much love, like munching on Golden Oreos,

Emily