Positive Tomorrows – Notebook Breakdown

Positive Tomorrows is a nonprofit school for homeless children. This private institution focuses on their needs and provides an environment where they can thrive.  Why do homeless children need their own school?  Why can’t they attend free public schools?  These questions and more were answered when back in February I had the opportunity to take their Gold Star Tour.

I was so touched by what I saw.  Immediately I knew I wanted to get involved with Positive Tomorrows in some form or fashion.  Discussion with the staff led us to a great idea.  The 3^rd-5^th grade teacher (they combine grades where it makes sense) wanted to teach the class some computer skills.

This past Wednesday I was privileged with the opportunity to meet with the students on their level and share one of my gifts.  First I was introduced to each student.  One by one I shook their hands and looked them dead in the eye.  This is something their teachers encourage in class.  Umm yeah, they need to teach that in public schools too!  I learned each one of their names and something they like (dogs, basketball, reading, among other things).  I told them how glad I was to meet them and promised that I wouldn’t remember each of their names.  This turned out to be a lie.  Somehow I managed to remember every name but one.  I had to apologize to Tara for forgetting her name.  I also explained to the teacher that I’ve been trying to forget that name for a long time which she totally understood.  J

Next comes the really fun part!  I dismantled a Dell Latitude E6400.  One student asked “Why do you have to destroy something so beautiful?”  I said, “I’m not destroying it, I’m only taking it apart.  I promise when we are finished I will put it all back together.”  As I toredown (sounds destructive huh) the notebook I explained the functionality of each part.  They ooh’d and ahh’d and passed around the components.  I toredown the notebook all the way to the mobo and passed it around as well.

I wasn’t prepared for what happened next.  Time was just about up and they were due to go to recess.  The students started debating about watching me put the notebook back together.  The catch was it had to be unanimous because the teacher had to stay with the class.  After some heated discussion it was decided they would stay.  So now I’m under the gun.  I have to get this notebook back together and salvage some of their recess.  I’ve been doing this a long time.  I’ve worked on systems for senior managers, directors, and even some VP’s.  Now THIS was pressure.  I managed to get the system back together 15 minutes or so into their recess.  Not too bad considering I’m a little out of practice.

I thank the staff for the blessing I received by sharing my knowledge with the students at Positive Tomorrows.  Moving forward I plan to make regular visits to the school and teach.  I LOVE IT!!!

If you would like to visit the school and discover what a great program this is I encourage you to sign up for a Gold Star Tour.