3rd
Two small moments from a really big day-
Today I started my placement for observation in a classroom. I was due in this fifth grade classroom at 8:30 in the morning. As I made an emergency trip to the grocery store for pantyhose and oatmeal I heard a familiar sound- the giggle of Noah Taylor. Sure enough one of my favorite little dudes was marching up and down the isle and helping his mom select his breakfast. When he saw me this crazy look crossed his face. It said “You! What are you doing here, all dressed up? You’re supposed to be at the preschool looking like hell!” I get such a kick out of that expression, because it is universal among preschoolers who see their teachers out in public.
Then, later in the day I saw one of my Crossfit trainers out in public, wearing clothes that aren’t gym shorts and a T-shirt. And I think I got that same expression on my face.
________
I’m enrolled in this very challenging Latin course. (Have you been noticing my affinity for participles?) I have a very dramatic, enthusiastic professor. I really admire how much he loves what he does. But instead of making me want to contribute in class, it makes me terrified to be incorrect in front of him. The first time I ever translated he said that I did a good job, but then he quizzed me on the form of the nouns in the sentence and I froze. What if I got it wrong? I had seen him recently having a slightly less than graceful reaction to a student who didn’t know their noun declensions. Even though all he said to them was “Frankly Mr. So-and-so, the fact that you don’t know this is astounding!” , the thought of his reprimand was terrifying.
And then I heard a voice from directly behind me supply the answer. I was saved! My hero! And before I knew it, I was out of the hot seat.
Today my friend couldn’t answer which form of qui, quae, quod was in this sentence and I had my chance to repay him. But I didn’t. I should have just blurted out “Accusative plural!”, but I didn’t. And I’m really disappointed in myself.
Next time, Latin friend I will come to your aid! I promise!
