I could have been compared to the awkward new kid in school, not knowing anybody and never willing to initiate any sort of conversation to make some. I recall the semester prior to meeting Daniela and Rita, we all had the same class in Dr. Franklin Turner's child development course. I sat at a table of four in the front next to Caroline, Nikki, and some other person. The fun group consisted of three hotties in the back that had a vacant seat at their table (they needed a fourth hottie, and I obviously fit the description ;). The semester proceeded as it normally did. I was one of two male students in the early childhood education program. The other guy was as weird as weird can get. I did not want to be lumped into that same category. This had to change, and it did.
The follow semester kicked off with an early childhood education science class with Professor Augustine. On the first day, I decided to go to the fun group in the back and asked if I could sit with them. I was welcomed with open arms and we bonded immediately. The semester was awesome. The class was pointless but the group made the experience so memorable. From making up fake cloud discoverers, to playing paper football during a boring lecture, and concluding the course with a fun presentation to a comatose class. We had an absolute blast.
Luckily, the afterschool program, CAPA, was hiring after school teachers. Their location was based in P.S. 244Q TALES. This was a way to get our foot in the door and hopefully, it would lead to a full-time position. I remember that day vividly. I wanted to submit my application to the school, in hopes of becoming a substitute. I marched in early with my resume in hand, only to find the security guard in the school. I explained to her who I was and what I wanted to submit. She informed me that the principal wasn't in yet and that she'd hand my resume to him. I was hesitant to do this since I wanted submit it in person. I reluctantly gave the security guard my papers and as she stapled my things together, I simultaneously cringed.
Pauline overheard my conversation with the security guard and called me into the CAPA office. She explained to me that her son, Devon, was looking for teachers for his after school program. She called him and set up an interview in a location not too far away. I got the position right away and asked if he needed more teachers. He did and I knew who to call. The fantastic four from undergrad all worked for CAPA during the 2009 to 2010 school year. Our other friend, Rosalia, went her separate way after the first year.
We've decided to get our post masters advanced certificate this year. Today was our first class. It certainly brought back memories. I look forward to another semester of fun with friends. Thank you Daniel and Rita for being awesome classmates, colleagues, and most importantly, friends!