So, today after a frustrating day at the office, waiting for the IT guy to fix my computer all day... I went to the groundbreaking for the new Charter School in my neighborhood.
Now, let me say, this is a pretty big deal. First, the Charter School will be green! As in incorporation of an existing structure in construction, windmills, gardening, a pond and green space. Also, the founders and folks involved are way cool. I have already been out drinking and singing Karaoke with the Principal.
But what makes this such a big darn deal is not so much that it's going to be awesome. No, the big deal is that it's HERE in my neighborhood.
When I moved here in 2007 my co-workers were like, "what! that's the HOOD! You're gonna get shot! Don't you watch the news!?" OK, fine, it's the highest crime zip code in the state. True. Yes, OK, there are shots fired. The challenges of this neighborhood are huge. But, I like it here. It's close to work, close to downtown, and cheap. The people are real, the houses are old, kids still play in the street. Moreover, I really do enjoy community organizing. I feel that my utility is maximized. Whatever skills and abilities I have, I can really get a lot of mileage out of them here.
Today, I'm excited that soon, 500 kids will have a really cool place to go to school, right here in the hood. As I looked around the construction site for the school, and into the faces of those around me, I felt really happy that in some small way, I helped to make it happen. I can't wait to see what's next.
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