For every 10 "normal" (I use that term loosely) students that I have in my classroom, I have one very weird student. Considering I teach about 135 students every day, that leaves me with 13 students who display some very abnormal tendencies. Their peers notice it, too, but I'm the one who has to deal with them in a very diplomatic way.
One student in particular is very odd. Very odd. I could tell from the moment I met him that he was very socially awkward. He approached me about two weeks ago and we had the funniest conversation. It took everything in my power not to laugh.
Alex: Ms. Nichols? How do you feel about sports?
Me: I like sports very much.
Alex: How do you feel about watching sports?
Me: I really like watching sports. What's up?
Alex: How do you feel about watching Chatfield sports?
Me: I really enjoy Chatfield sports. I often attend the games.
Alex: How do you feel about swimming?
Me: I've never been to a swim meet before, but I'm sure it would be a lot of fun.
Alex: What are you doing on March 18?
Me: (Pause-Laughing on the inside) Well, Alex, that's a long ways away. I haven't planned that far out. Is that your first swim meet?
Alex: Yes, that's our first meet and I would love it if you could come watch me swim.
Me: I'll tell you what. I would love to come. Why don't you remind me at the beginning of March and I'll see if I can make it.
Alex: Okay. Have a good day.
I chuckled as Alex left the room. He's very proactive, that's for sure!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Name Change
Over Christmas, Josh bought me something from ebay.com. I've never bought anything on Ebay, so I didn't have an account. He does, so it was just easier for him to make the purchase and then I paid him back. Because we live a distance apart, he had the package mailed to me.
I eagerly waited for my package to arrive. I checked the mail every single day for a week, and finally. I had a note in my mail box that a package was waiting for me in the Leasing Office. I drove to the office. I ran inside. I asked for my box. I got the box. On the address line it read:
Shiloh Nichols-Martinez
I chuckled out loud. Obviously the girl was a tad confused. She must have seen that Josh Martinez made the purchase, so she assumed Shiloh Nichols was married to Josh Martinez and hyphenated my name. I had a little giggle and carried on with opening the package.
I called Josh later that afternoon to let him know I had received my package. I also told him the story of how the girl thought we were married. He just laughed and laughed and finally admitted that the whole name thing was because he told the girl to put that on the package. He did it for two reasons. One, he thought it would be funny and wanted to see my reaction. But more importantly, since he had made the purchase under his name, he didn't want the girl to think he was being shady by having the package mailed to a different name.
We chuckled about it and continued on with our conversation.
The next day, I went to get my mail again. I about died when I saw what the mail carrier had done. Seeing the package addressed to Shiloh Nichols-Martinez, the mail carrier must have assumed I got married. Therefore, being proactive, he changed the name tag on my box from Nichols to Nichols-Martinez.
I eagerly waited for my package to arrive. I checked the mail every single day for a week, and finally. I had a note in my mail box that a package was waiting for me in the Leasing Office. I drove to the office. I ran inside. I asked for my box. I got the box. On the address line it read:
Shiloh Nichols-Martinez
I chuckled out loud. Obviously the girl was a tad confused. She must have seen that Josh Martinez made the purchase, so she assumed Shiloh Nichols was married to Josh Martinez and hyphenated my name. I had a little giggle and carried on with opening the package.
I called Josh later that afternoon to let him know I had received my package. I also told him the story of how the girl thought we were married. He just laughed and laughed and finally admitted that the whole name thing was because he told the girl to put that on the package. He did it for two reasons. One, he thought it would be funny and wanted to see my reaction. But more importantly, since he had made the purchase under his name, he didn't want the girl to think he was being shady by having the package mailed to a different name.
We chuckled about it and continued on with our conversation.
The next day, I went to get my mail again. I about died when I saw what the mail carrier had done. Seeing the package addressed to Shiloh Nichols-Martinez, the mail carrier must have assumed I got married. Therefore, being proactive, he changed the name tag on my box from Nichols to Nichols-Martinez.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Things I Love Lately
Inspired by Lindsey, here are Things I Love Lately:
1. Diet Mountain Dew (must be fountain and 7/11 is the only place to carry it)
2. Apples
3. Cucumbers with salt
4. Veggie Straws (kind of like potato chips but they are veggies and MUCH healthier)
5. Losing 6 pounds in a week!
6. Mushrooms
7. Frozen green grapes
8. Making fires in my fireplace to keep warm
9. The movie Easy A-super cute!
10. Chick Fil A (always and forever my favorite fast food restaurant)
11. Zac Brown
12. Dancing with a partner
13. Carson, Kye, Corinne, Case, and Siahna-I just adore these little kiddos
14. Having my parents come to town to visit
15. My new head wrap from Abby :)
1. Diet Mountain Dew (must be fountain and 7/11 is the only place to carry it)
2. Apples
3. Cucumbers with salt
4. Veggie Straws (kind of like potato chips but they are veggies and MUCH healthier)
5. Losing 6 pounds in a week!
6. Mushrooms
7. Frozen green grapes
8. Making fires in my fireplace to keep warm
9. The movie Easy A-super cute!
10. Chick Fil A (always and forever my favorite fast food restaurant)
11. Zac Brown
12. Dancing with a partner
13. Carson, Kye, Corinne, Case, and Siahna-I just adore these little kiddos
14. Having my parents come to town to visit
15. My new head wrap from Abby :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
High School Drop Out
I had my first high school drop out yesterday. It broke my heart. Actually, it was the same kid I bought the calculator from last week for Josh. This student, Dan, was my success story last year.
He was in my all-boys class last year, and he initially started off failing English. For about two months at the start of the semester, he slept during class (when he actually came). He did jack squat. He was a disruption in class. He came unprepared every day. I was frustrated with Dan, but I kept working with him and encouraging him to do his work. Around March, it was as if something snapped in his head (for the good). He started coming to class on time. He started doing his work. He started bring a pencil to class (and paper, too). He no longer slept. In no time, he had turned his 33 percent to a high C (75 percent). I continued to encourage him and told him he could even get a B if he kept up the good work. At the end of the school year, he was most improved, had the best attitude, and overall was one of my favorite students.
Last semester, he got stuck with Mr. B for English, who has a reputation for being the hardest, most boring English teacher in the school. Students moan when they see him on their schedule. Students try to change their schedule to prevent having Mr. B as their teacher. Dan got Mr. B, and he failed miserably. It wasn't the right environment for a struggling student, and Dan gave up. When I saw his name on my roster for this semester, I was excited to have him back and see what Dan could do for me.
This semester did not start off well for Dan. Out of 10 days we've been in school, I've seen Dan twice (not counting buying his calculator in Starbucks). He already has a 14 percent, and he has gone back to his old habits of coming unprepared when he shows up at all.
Yesterday, Dan came to me with a drop out form I needed to sign. He's dropping out of high school. He's given up. He's going to get his GED and move on to other areas of focus. I about cried as I signed his form. As any teacher would do, I tried to talk him out of it.
"Dan, do you understand what you're doing for your future?"
"What are you going to do with the rest of your life?"
"Are you going to go to college?"
The questions went on and on. His reply was he was going to get his GED and then get his massage license. At least he has a goal.
With great reluctance, I signed his drop out form. He left. I sat at my desk with tears in my eyes. I pulled up Dan's transcripts and realized he had failed virtually every single class since entering high school. He had passed English with me last year. He had passed PE. Everything else he had failed. I began to realize he really did not have a future in high school. He would never graduate. He had no choice but to drop out. He had ruined his life with very bad decisions throughout high school (including drugs), and now he had no choice but to drop out.
I left school feeling pretty down. I called Josh and told him the story. He said, "You can't save them all, Shi." I know that. I can't save them all, but I like to think I can. Yesterday was just a big reminder that some of their issues are bigger than I can ever imagine and sometimes I have to let them go and say goodbye.
He was in my all-boys class last year, and he initially started off failing English. For about two months at the start of the semester, he slept during class (when he actually came). He did jack squat. He was a disruption in class. He came unprepared every day. I was frustrated with Dan, but I kept working with him and encouraging him to do his work. Around March, it was as if something snapped in his head (for the good). He started coming to class on time. He started doing his work. He started bring a pencil to class (and paper, too). He no longer slept. In no time, he had turned his 33 percent to a high C (75 percent). I continued to encourage him and told him he could even get a B if he kept up the good work. At the end of the school year, he was most improved, had the best attitude, and overall was one of my favorite students.
Last semester, he got stuck with Mr. B for English, who has a reputation for being the hardest, most boring English teacher in the school. Students moan when they see him on their schedule. Students try to change their schedule to prevent having Mr. B as their teacher. Dan got Mr. B, and he failed miserably. It wasn't the right environment for a struggling student, and Dan gave up. When I saw his name on my roster for this semester, I was excited to have him back and see what Dan could do for me.
This semester did not start off well for Dan. Out of 10 days we've been in school, I've seen Dan twice (not counting buying his calculator in Starbucks). He already has a 14 percent, and he has gone back to his old habits of coming unprepared when he shows up at all.
Yesterday, Dan came to me with a drop out form I needed to sign. He's dropping out of high school. He's given up. He's going to get his GED and move on to other areas of focus. I about cried as I signed his form. As any teacher would do, I tried to talk him out of it.
"Dan, do you understand what you're doing for your future?"
"What are you going to do with the rest of your life?"
"Are you going to go to college?"
The questions went on and on. His reply was he was going to get his GED and then get his massage license. At least he has a goal.
With great reluctance, I signed his drop out form. He left. I sat at my desk with tears in my eyes. I pulled up Dan's transcripts and realized he had failed virtually every single class since entering high school. He had passed English with me last year. He had passed PE. Everything else he had failed. I began to realize he really did not have a future in high school. He would never graduate. He had no choice but to drop out. He had ruined his life with very bad decisions throughout high school (including drugs), and now he had no choice but to drop out.
I left school feeling pretty down. I called Josh and told him the story. He said, "You can't save them all, Shi." I know that. I can't save them all, but I like to think I can. Yesterday was just a big reminder that some of their issues are bigger than I can ever imagine and sometimes I have to let them go and say goodbye.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Craigslist.com
Josh is taking a statistics class this semester and needs a graphing calculator. They are not cheap, so he went to trusty craigslist.com to buy a used one. He found one listed for $30 in Littleton with the note to please text Dan at this number because "I respond to texts but not phone calls." Since Josh doesn't text, he emailed me with all the information and asked me to text Dan to find out if the calculator was still for sale, where in Littleton Dan lived, and if he would make a deal.
So, I texted Dan yesterday afternoon. Our conversation went like this:
"Dan, my name is Shiloh. My boyfriend saw your calculator and is interested in purchasing it. Do you still have it? Where in Littleton do you live?
"Yes, I still have it."
"Great! He's interested. Where in Littleton do you live?"
"I live in Littleton. Are you interested for $30?"
I called Josh, and yes, he was still interested as long as Dan didn't live too far from me. Josh didn't want me driving miles and miles to get a calculator for him.
I then texted Dan to let him know I was interested and I could meet between 4:15 and 6:15 to pick it up.
Several hours went by before I heard from Dan. I was starting to think he wasn't going to reply, but I finally got a text that told me to meet him at the Starbucks at Kipling and C470 at 5:30. I told Dan what I was wearing so he could place me inside Starbucks.
I called Josh and told him the plan. Josh told me to take a knife, just to make sure I was safe in case I was attacked. Thanks for making me feel better about the deal! Josh asked where I was meeting him (again, to make sure I wasn't driving too far). I didn't tell Josh it was over 15 minutes away. I just said I was meeting Dan at a Starbucks down the road.
Upon arriving at Starbucks right at 5:30, I saw that the store was empty. Seizing the opportunity to treat myself, I bought a coffee. I sat down to wait. Around 5:40, I saw a group of three boys entering the store. I recognized two of them as current students. As they walked in, I said, "Hi Adam. Hi Dan."
As soon as I said it, I knew that I was buying my calculator from my student. He realized it right away, too, and said, "Hi Ms. Nichols. I'm selling you my calculator."
His face turned red.
My face turned red.
Not only was I purchasing a calculator from my own student, but Dan had also skipped my class yesterday (and today, too). Busted.
Trying to make light of the awkward situation, I said, "Did you know it was me you were selling to? We could have done this transaction in class tomorrow and saved me a drive."
He gave a nervous laugh. "No, I didn't know it was you until I walked into the store. When I saw you sitting here, I put two and two together."
I looked through the calculator (which I don't know how to use). It SEEMED to work fine. I asked Dan if it worked. He said yes. I said I knew where I could find him if he was ripping me off. He nervously laughed. He was eager to get out of there, so I paid him and he left.
Luckily for me, I made the drive last night to buy the calculator because Dan did not show up to class this morning. Perhaps he was too embarrassed or perhaps he's off doing drugs like he does most days. Who knows, but it was a pretty awkward situation.
You're welcome, Josh!
So, I texted Dan yesterday afternoon. Our conversation went like this:
"Dan, my name is Shiloh. My boyfriend saw your calculator and is interested in purchasing it. Do you still have it? Where in Littleton do you live?
"Yes, I still have it."
"Great! He's interested. Where in Littleton do you live?"
"I live in Littleton. Are you interested for $30?"
I called Josh, and yes, he was still interested as long as Dan didn't live too far from me. Josh didn't want me driving miles and miles to get a calculator for him.
I then texted Dan to let him know I was interested and I could meet between 4:15 and 6:15 to pick it up.
Several hours went by before I heard from Dan. I was starting to think he wasn't going to reply, but I finally got a text that told me to meet him at the Starbucks at Kipling and C470 at 5:30. I told Dan what I was wearing so he could place me inside Starbucks.
I called Josh and told him the plan. Josh told me to take a knife, just to make sure I was safe in case I was attacked. Thanks for making me feel better about the deal! Josh asked where I was meeting him (again, to make sure I wasn't driving too far). I didn't tell Josh it was over 15 minutes away. I just said I was meeting Dan at a Starbucks down the road.
Upon arriving at Starbucks right at 5:30, I saw that the store was empty. Seizing the opportunity to treat myself, I bought a coffee. I sat down to wait. Around 5:40, I saw a group of three boys entering the store. I recognized two of them as current students. As they walked in, I said, "Hi Adam. Hi Dan."
As soon as I said it, I knew that I was buying my calculator from my student. He realized it right away, too, and said, "Hi Ms. Nichols. I'm selling you my calculator."
His face turned red.
My face turned red.
Not only was I purchasing a calculator from my own student, but Dan had also skipped my class yesterday (and today, too). Busted.
Trying to make light of the awkward situation, I said, "Did you know it was me you were selling to? We could have done this transaction in class tomorrow and saved me a drive."
He gave a nervous laugh. "No, I didn't know it was you until I walked into the store. When I saw you sitting here, I put two and two together."
I looked through the calculator (which I don't know how to use). It SEEMED to work fine. I asked Dan if it worked. He said yes. I said I knew where I could find him if he was ripping me off. He nervously laughed. He was eager to get out of there, so I paid him and he left.
Luckily for me, I made the drive last night to buy the calculator because Dan did not show up to class this morning. Perhaps he was too embarrassed or perhaps he's off doing drugs like he does most days. Who knows, but it was a pretty awkward situation.
You're welcome, Josh!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Paul, My New Friend
I am teaching my high risk class again this semester. It's a small class of 20, and about 15 of them are at a high risk to drop out of high school. They are a rough crowd that come from rough families, drugs, abuse, and many other issues I can't even begin to imagine dealing with at 15 years-old. The purpose of this class is to be small so that I can work more one-on-one with them, motivate them, care about them, love on them, feed them when they are hungry, and smile at them when no one else does.
I realized this morning that they are my favorite class. They are certainly not perfect, and they often give me a headache. They are a lot of work even though they are my smallest class. They are tardy every day. They talk when they should be listening. They don't follow directions. Some of them can barely read. They aren't the smartest kids in the school. They sometimes could care less about English and/or school, and yet I look forward to this class everyday. I have better rapport with them than my "normal" students, and I feel like I'm making a difference every time they walk into my class.
One student, Paul, comes from Vietnam. He's been in America for a couple of years, so he does speak English, but his reading/writing skills are less than par and he struggles with basic comprehension. I just got him in my class last week, so we introduced ourselves and made friends quickly. He's a spunky little guy with a lot of wit and humor. I can tell I'm really going to like him, but I can also tell he's going to be a challenge in many ways.
One of their favorite questions to ask is, "What is your first name?" I always answer and it usually involves an explanation of where it came from, why my parents chose it, and what it means. Usually my students really like my name, but they are also quick to point out that Shiloh is a dog's name (at least in the movie, Shiloh). Hahaha. Very funny.
Paul, being Vietnamese, had never heard the name Shiloh. He was fascinated by my name, and kept saying Shiloh over and over. And then he goes, "I like it. I'm going to call you Shiloh from now on."
I chuckled and said, "I'm Ms. Nichols to you, buddy."
Well, ever since that day, you want to know what he calls me? You guess it....Shiloh!
"Hey, Shiloh. Can you help me?"
"Shiloh, will you come here for a minute?"
"I need some help Shiloh."
Initially, I didn't even notice he was doing it. My friends and family call me Shiloh, so it's natural for me to answer. After the second time, however, I realized what he was doing. And for some reason, it doesn't bother me when he does it. If it were any other kid, I'd put him in his place. But with Paul, it makes me laugh. I'll let him call me Shiloh as long as he's working hard and showing me he cares about his grades.
I realized this morning that they are my favorite class. They are certainly not perfect, and they often give me a headache. They are a lot of work even though they are my smallest class. They are tardy every day. They talk when they should be listening. They don't follow directions. Some of them can barely read. They aren't the smartest kids in the school. They sometimes could care less about English and/or school, and yet I look forward to this class everyday. I have better rapport with them than my "normal" students, and I feel like I'm making a difference every time they walk into my class.
One student, Paul, comes from Vietnam. He's been in America for a couple of years, so he does speak English, but his reading/writing skills are less than par and he struggles with basic comprehension. I just got him in my class last week, so we introduced ourselves and made friends quickly. He's a spunky little guy with a lot of wit and humor. I can tell I'm really going to like him, but I can also tell he's going to be a challenge in many ways.
One of their favorite questions to ask is, "What is your first name?" I always answer and it usually involves an explanation of where it came from, why my parents chose it, and what it means. Usually my students really like my name, but they are also quick to point out that Shiloh is a dog's name (at least in the movie, Shiloh). Hahaha. Very funny.
Paul, being Vietnamese, had never heard the name Shiloh. He was fascinated by my name, and kept saying Shiloh over and over. And then he goes, "I like it. I'm going to call you Shiloh from now on."
I chuckled and said, "I'm Ms. Nichols to you, buddy."
Well, ever since that day, you want to know what he calls me? You guess it....Shiloh!
"Hey, Shiloh. Can you help me?"
"Shiloh, will you come here for a minute?"
"I need some help Shiloh."
Initially, I didn't even notice he was doing it. My friends and family call me Shiloh, so it's natural for me to answer. After the second time, however, I realized what he was doing. And for some reason, it doesn't bother me when he does it. If it were any other kid, I'd put him in his place. But with Paul, it makes me laugh. I'll let him call me Shiloh as long as he's working hard and showing me he cares about his grades.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Dating is Hard
Dating is not easy. Duh! You would think I would have learned this a lot sooner than 30 years old, and believe me, I have known this for a while, but it's more apparent now than ever before. Bringing two completely different lives together to hopefully match up on many issues and matters is not an easy task, and I'm glad God is in charge up there and not me.
As you know, Josh and I have been dating for a month, and talk about two very different people trying to make it work. We are as different as night and day, sometimes to a point of frustration (for both of us) and sometimes it's quite comical. Britt says we bicker like a couple who's been married for 50 years. She's right; we do bicker, but it's pretty funny to watch us together. Here are some of our differences:
He calls himself a Simpleton.
I, on the other hand, am not so simple.
I bring book knowledge.
He brings street knowledge.
He has three pairs of shoes.
I have....well, let's just say I have a lot.
He has six dress shirts he keeps stacked on his desk.
I have a closet full of every color and design imaginable.
His walls in his room are plain and simple.
I have decorations galore.
He eats his food cold.
Mine must be piping hot.
He eats the same breakfast every day.
I have seven different breakfasts throughout the week.
He drinks beer.
I drink vodka mixed with girlie pink colors.
He is a saver.
I am a spender.
You get the idea. We don't match on anything, and yet we have a really good time together. We encountered a disagreement the other day when he came over to visit. It was quite cold outside, and I try to keep my heat at a chilly 58 degrees inside my apartment (this is how I save money). Needless to say, since it was 0 degrees outside and 58 degrees inside, we were cold as we watched TV.
PERFECT! I have a fireplace. But no wood, so here's how the conversation went:
Me: No problem. Let's head over to King Soopers to get some wood.
Him: Why King Soopers? Do they keep wood in the back?
Me: Umm....you can buy piles of wood. $3.99 for a bundle.
Him: Are you serious?!?! You buy your wood?
Me: Uh, yeah. How else would I have wood for my fire?
Him: Well, you do realize that there is wood laying all around you.
Me: But you can buy a bundle for $3.99. It's easy.
Him: I can't believe you would waste money on wood when you can collect it yourself. Come on, I'll show you.
I made him wear his new Husker beanie that I got him for Christmas. I also let him wear my Husker sweatshirt, and along with my Husker hat, we matched perfectly for our walk to collect firewood.




Within an hour, we had a pile of wood that was free. We also had a nice walk along the Platte River and snapped a few cute photos. All in all, it was fun, and now I know I can save $3.99 just by taking a short walk.
As you know, Josh and I have been dating for a month, and talk about two very different people trying to make it work. We are as different as night and day, sometimes to a point of frustration (for both of us) and sometimes it's quite comical. Britt says we bicker like a couple who's been married for 50 years. She's right; we do bicker, but it's pretty funny to watch us together. Here are some of our differences:
He calls himself a Simpleton.
I, on the other hand, am not so simple.
I bring book knowledge.
He brings street knowledge.
He has three pairs of shoes.
I have....well, let's just say I have a lot.
He has six dress shirts he keeps stacked on his desk.
I have a closet full of every color and design imaginable.
His walls in his room are plain and simple.
I have decorations galore.
He eats his food cold.
Mine must be piping hot.
He eats the same breakfast every day.
I have seven different breakfasts throughout the week.
He drinks beer.
I drink vodka mixed with girlie pink colors.
He is a saver.
I am a spender.
You get the idea. We don't match on anything, and yet we have a really good time together. We encountered a disagreement the other day when he came over to visit. It was quite cold outside, and I try to keep my heat at a chilly 58 degrees inside my apartment (this is how I save money). Needless to say, since it was 0 degrees outside and 58 degrees inside, we were cold as we watched TV.
PERFECT! I have a fireplace. But no wood, so here's how the conversation went:
Me: No problem. Let's head over to King Soopers to get some wood.
Him: Why King Soopers? Do they keep wood in the back?
Me: Umm....you can buy piles of wood. $3.99 for a bundle.
Him: Are you serious?!?! You buy your wood?
Me: Uh, yeah. How else would I have wood for my fire?
Him: Well, you do realize that there is wood laying all around you.
Me: But you can buy a bundle for $3.99. It's easy.
Him: I can't believe you would waste money on wood when you can collect it yourself. Come on, I'll show you.
I made him wear his new Husker beanie that I got him for Christmas. I also let him wear my Husker sweatshirt, and along with my Husker hat, we matched perfectly for our walk to collect firewood.




Within an hour, we had a pile of wood that was free. We also had a nice walk along the Platte River and snapped a few cute photos. All in all, it was fun, and now I know I can save $3.99 just by taking a short walk.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Eve 2010
Happy 2011!
Josh and I headed to the Stampede last night to get our country dance moves on. Kristen and Jason met up with us, so the four of us had a blast dancing the night away. Here are some pictures from our night.
The Thinker
Josh and I headed to the Stampede last night to get our country dance moves on. Kristen and Jason met up with us, so the four of us had a blast dancing the night away. Here are some pictures from our night.
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