My Very Own McFarland

        I've always dreamed of having my own "McFarland, USA" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-VAOlHGE6Q) from the moment the movie came out. I remember when first arriving to my neighborhood here in LA and driving past the school, I expressed, "The Lord has given me my very own McFarland!" It felt just right and like a perfectly tailored gift from God bestowed to me. And that's exactly what it's been. The start of this job has been quite the transition. I've had to go from my schedule-less summer days to waking up at 5:45 am and arriving to my job early, because as many have said "early means on time." It has been a bit of a change working 10 hours a day, but overall, I've enjoyed being busy and living out the mission God has forme in this season of life. 

            To give a general description of my daily schedule, it usually begins with my team blasting music and clapping or (semi-)dancing in front of the school’s entrance as the students walk through embarrassed or annoyed at our attempts to get them hyped for the school day. Lol. I can’t blame them. It is a bit early to be that hype in the morning.

              Then after this time we call “power greeting”, my team and I go our separate ways to our designated classrooms to help students who may need extra help. So far I’ve loved the classes I am assigned, which include Algebra 1, English, and Ethnic Studies. It definitely has been interesting being in the high school setting once again, but not as the student this time. I’ve enjoyed sitting in the classroom and actually learning without the pressure of having to take notes for a grade or to “prove my intelligence.”

              But overall, what has intrigued me the most since my time in the school this past week and a half, is learning about and observing the school’s demographics and commonalities among the students. The school is considered a larger one and is composed mainly of Hispanic and African American students from the surrounding community of the lower/middle socio-economic class level. There are a handful of students who are English Language Learners (ELL) and know very little English. Although I struggle many times in my Spanish, I enjoy talking with the ELL students as it helps me practice my Spanish, while I attempt to provide help to the students as well.

              Additionally, in my interactions with the students, many shared that they failed their classes last school year over Zoom, and some have expressed that they thought of themselves as “dumb” because of their past struggles in academics. I also noticed that many of the students don’t have a high belief in themselves, as they would express that they didn’t think they were capable and they shared in a lighhearted manner that they come from a household of name calling and tough love. This was eye opening and really encouraged me to be present and focused this school year in helping them not only succeed academically, but also to provide that encouragement that can build belief in themselves.

              The days, although long in hours, pass by pretty quick, and are pretty enjoyable thanks to my team I get to work with. Thankful that we are all supportive and purposeful in our decision for this year long commitment with City Year.

              Besides all this, a random/fun thing occurred just last week! There was an AT&T commercial casually being filmed during the school day in the auditorium. Why was I so amazed by this? LOL. This is California! And not only that, this is Los Angles, just a few minutes from the heart of Hollywood. However, the commercial filming wasn’t the first time Hollywood stepped on the school’s premises. Supposedly the show “All American” was filmed here at the school as well.

              In all this, it’s definitely been a process getting into the new groove of things and finding the rhythm of this new job. In just a couple of days working here, I’ve learned so much and have been seeking to grow in my mindset and the ability to be present and content, which is a good set up for the next blogpost to come because, believe me, I have a lot to say about being content in this season. Stay tuned! It will be a good one. 😉

-Brittany 😊        

Take a look into my first week by watching the video: https://animoto.com/play/fbj2ja51u9L0vyK1arf1lA