Hello Joe. I think your dedication to becoming a teacher is extremely admirable. Switching careers can't be easy, but your drive and determination is inspiring. My question for you is do you think that it is possible for a return of the strong rooted familial communities? How do you think your teaching style will reflect your desire for close-knit connections?
Thank you, Savannah, and to answer your question about communities, it is no. That is a great question and impossible to answer in full because I’ll write a novel of a post. I will say technology, as far as it may stretch us apart, can also bring us closer. And as humans we adapt, it’s our greatest skill. As for your other question, I remember as a kid, I saw teachers as something to be feared (I did go to Catholic school for four years which had a lot to do with it) and I was often nervous to even talk with them, say, after class or in the halls. It added a lot of anxiety to my being a student, and could also limit my class participation. Hopefully, and this is a BIG hope, I can create a classroom where students feel relatively comfortable, and not expecting to be lectured for an hour. I don’t want to be the laid back, easy going teacher, because I want them to learn, but I also certainly don’t want to be the overly stern, seemingly cold one whose class they loathe. The reason I went towards a history undergrad was my freshman year of HS, I had a teacher who I respected, but also engaged me by his ability to have me listen because he grabbed our interest, and want to learn. JF
Hey, Joe (I can't help but think of that Jimi Hendrix song.) You have such an interesting background. My question to you, is how did you get into engineering? Also, what did the job entail and were there any other reasons that you felt it wasn't a good fit for you did you besides the fact that you wanted to get into teaching? I think it's wonderful that you're following your passion!
Hey Bri, thanks for the questions. I'll try and be short. My engineering past is an odd one. When I left Fayetteville, I followed my brother (he had an engineering degree) to Las Vegas (it was booming) to secure a job with a sub-contractor with his help most likely in the field because I was ready to make money. This job would require no engineering education, just work ethic. I was in an office two months later as an asst engineer. Then I was moved to Phoenix as an engineer. Then I went full board and became certified in some facets, mostly concrete and such. To be honest, the recession was a blessing for me. The jobs weren’t as enjoyable, everyone was mad it seemed (myself included), and I thought every day after work “this isn’t for me.” I also moved often. When I was shipped to Ft. Hood, TX on a large hospital job, that was my straw. I tried to, but gladly, I gave my two weeks after I think 9-ish months on that project. The project was a great one, I just didn’t like the living situation or said job. I saw it as an opportunity to leave. So I did, and now, here I am. And don’t worry, that’s not the first time I’ve heard a Jimi reference. The one I hear the most is Tom Hanks’ character Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail.
Hey, Joe! I really admire you for following your dreams despite the many obstacles. I am also curious about your engineering past, but I would like to know more about your love of Vonnegut. Would you say that his writings have inspired you to become the person that you are today and the teacher that you will soon be?
Thanks Hannah, allow me to try - I’d be lying if I could say I knew a great deal about KV or his work. I have only read Slaughterhouse-Five, and that was in high school. I have noticed that from afar I seem to agree with seemingly everything he said himself, as a human, speaking about the nature of life. His philosophies intrigue me so much, but I’m honestly not that engaged in his fiction anymore or plan to pursue it in the near future. I know that sounds odd, it’d be like “loving” the beatles, but not having heard much of their music. But there are some larger than life characters w/ whom I tend to study their persona more than their work, perhaps a way to pick their brains and use it myself, but most likely to think about. But sometimes you have to separate from the artist to enjoy their art, which in contemporary fiction is easy to since we know so many things, but Vonnegut seems to me like one of the good ones both as a person and an artist. And he has that gift so many of wish we had, which is to be able to easily explain an impossible question/theory w/ relative ease. JF
Hi Joe! I really enjoyed your biography and found it so inspiring that you left a career to follow your passions! Awesome! You mentioned that you write as a hobby. Do you still write and if so, what genres? Do you hope to be a writer and teacher?
Hello Allison, thanks for your thoughts. I write fiction, mostly short stories. I never had the time to write "professionally" so I've found it hard to finish a novel. I wrote a screenplay forever ago when I had dreams of making movies for a living.In answer to your 2nd question, I would love to be a writer and a teacher.It's definitely a goal. Where I could have enough artistic freedom to write for this many months, and then teach the remainder of the year. It's a lofty goal, but definitely one I have.
Hello! I think its so brave of you to make such a huge career change. Congratulations on following your passion. As a fellow francophile, I am curious about your love of French culture. Where did you visit in France, other than Paris?
Also, you should speak in French with Allison and I sometime. It's fun to practice speaking outside of an academic setting.
Hello Shamiah, thanks for the message. I can't really explain my love for french culture, but I've had it since, always. A lot of it would come later with my literature classes, and then reading on my own with the ex-patriots who fled the states to get to Paris. Hemingway, Pound, Joyce, Fitzgerald, etc are some of my favorite writers and that scene must have been so amazing. That influx are artists ... heaven ... I also watch French film whenever I can, and read French philosophy.Let's see, it was a short trip by european trip standards, so we weren't there long. I think we spent two days in Paris. And cancelled a trip to versailles to get a move on to Brussels. I had to take it in from a train, but it was all I needed. Plus, we knew a family in Brussels which essentially France as you know, and we drove around and visited some smaller towns and such.
I'd love to pick your brains and try a little French with you two. I warn you, it's been a long, long time. But it's fun.
Hello Abbey, the answer is family. My mother's side of the family has been here for years, her parents and my grand, were on oconee since I was just a tike (although they grew up in Atl). My maternal grandfather was a big part of our lives. I have parents here, an aunt, and a cousin. When I found out GCSU offered a one year masters program I packed my bags. JF
Joe, you brought up a very great point in your bio, the lack of male influence in the classroom. That's interesting to see how one male teacher in a school can have such an impact, primarily on the males. I know schools in poverty have less than 3% Black male teachers, which is sad.
Another question is, what made you quit being an engineer? And was it hard, financially, for you to end that lifestyle? I applaud you for your bravery to go for what makes you happy.
Hey Skeika, and thanks for your input. It is sad, very sad, especially in areas where there are more single parent homes. Where I grew up, in Little Rock, this problem was rampant. A lot of kids in those situations (mostly boys) dropped out by HS. I know it will be difficult, but if I can just sway a few kids (hopefully a lot), possibly as a role model which they might easier find with a male, that's wonderful. Ps - 3%!!! That's incredibly low, Terrible.
My lifestyle has changed a great deal, I call it "monastic." But it's all for the greater good. Most importantly, I'm happier than I have been in my adult life, so all of those financial pitfalls are minor. I will admit, I sometimes do miss having that blanket if you will of security, but I'm making it so far, so I'll keep moving forward. Thx, JF.
I love your thoughts on community and family! I think Milledgeville is the right place for you to be. So, where is your family now? Do you think that their location right now has influenced your thoughts on community?
My parents, aunt, cousin live in the Oconee area. Greensboro/Eatonton. To be honest with you, my closest familial ties (although I obviously love my parents et al here) exist in Texas and Arkansas. Namely, my brother, sis-in-law, and my two youngest nephews back in Dallas (where I moved from). They are close to 1 and 3, and that little group is my universe. I just miss watching them grow up. Each day something new seems to happen. I go back as often as possible. My thoughts are with them more than anything. But, without saying, I love my little community here as well as you can imagine, and I do like Milledgeville very much. JF
Hey, Joe! I'm glad to see that we'll have some diversity in our cohort by having a male in it! I thought your bio was very interesting, and I think it's cool that you've explored so much of the U.S. Out of everywhere that you've been, which place was your favorite and why?
Hey back, tough, tough question. Southern Utah was my longest expedition with 52 straight days, so that's special. Alaska is amazing because of its expanse, being that you may not see another soul for days (which is why one must go with a group!). There are few set trails so you mostly use a topo map and rely on your skills. Every mile, if you’re on track, there is a tiny or somewhat large pyramid of rocks left by other backpackers called a cairn to let you know you’re on track. As you pass, you add your own stone. If I had to pick, I’d say Washington. I think because it was my first real trip, and I met people from all over the country for the first time (I believe I was 15). Puget Sound, Olympia, rain forests, I’m going back for the first time this December. Can’t wait. JF
Hey Joe, I think its very admirable that you left engineering in order to pursue teaching. Your passion to be a role model for young men is inspiring, and I'm sure you'll reach many in your career. I also really enjoy hiking and enjoying the outdoors, though I have never seen a slot canyon (had to google it, but it is now on my to-do list). Do you have a favorite place to explore in Georgia?
Hello, Casey, to answer your question I do not because I haven’t been, not once! Most (all) of my friends in the area are too busy w/ work and in some cases, kids. I wanted to plan a week or so to do the GA portion of the App. Trail which is about 80 miles this past winter break but ended up in hanging in. Plus, I’ve never gone solo for that long of a stretch, so I decided to hang out with the family which I couldn’t complain about. There is a small possibility, I told them my bad knee was why, which was about 5% true. Enough to make me sleep at night …
Although I was not in the private sector as long, I know that it is tough to leave a lucrative career, but at the same time an absolute necessity. I worked in property management with office high rises in Buckhead and could only think of how badly I wanted to leave the place forever. I felt that I was doing no actual good there. I understand the need for more male teachers. My boyfriend just graduating with his degree for teaching high school history and I admire how readily students are to listen to him over the typical female teacher. I'm also always appalled at how few male students seem to participate or actively care about their education. How do you think this can be remedied to appeal to the boys who will be boys?
Hillary, great question and I appreciate your input on the old private sector past, you're right, you don't really feel proud about your work most of the time. As for the boys who will be boys, I'm not sure. It's something that will take some experience. I can remember, however, how very immature I was at that age. In hindsight, in my teenage years, personally, even though I had a high GPA in HS, I was only eager to learn History and English, so I was bored and listless in every other class, and like you said didn't actively care. I think many boys actually think it's cool to act like they don't care about education, a way of puffing their chest to authority. I took a college course this winter on Early American Lit with mostly students who were Sophomores and Juniors. The boys honestly could not have cared less I noticed. But if I’d have to guess they weren’t in school for Lit, and it was required. The other thing I noticed was they usually didn’t do their readings, so when our teacher wanted participation as far as males go, it was myself and one other who participated. The others just stared at the clock. I was thinking, if I were that teacher, I’d have very basic quizzes every session which so long as you read the text you would do well on. That way the entire class would at least have some sort of knowledge of what was going on, and possibly would want to participate. That’s just one case though. One of the other things our often feeble minded young brains tend to do, especially in HS, is actually think we look cool if we don’t care or challenge authority. Very mature stuff … JF
Of all time the Stones. But I like to stay 21st century, it's a four way tie, in no order - St. Vincent, Tv On The Radio, The National, and Wilco. I love them, and each album they put out I can listen to beginning to end and enjoy. Plus, the best part is, they will obviously tour after each one so I can see them live which is my fav thing to do. Ps - Radiohead would be on this list, but I haven't liked their music since In Rainbows. JF
I know you said your true passion is writing and American Lit, but I did notice you mentioned history. What is your favorite topic/region/country to study in history?
Hey Kinsey, great question. Mostly American History. From our beginnings through about the '60's I start to lose interest. I suppose in that context I don't see it as quite "historical." I find I am also drawn to the times we had to go to war, the war itself, and the impact it had on us as a society. I also (and this will sound random) love Russian and Japanese history.
Hey Joe, I always love hearing about people's travels around the country. I have always wanted to travel to the Midwest and see Arizona. I thought about doing graduate school for art therapy there. What is one survival tip that you would tell someone who has never camped in a desert?
My second question is about your four nephews. How old are they and do you think that you would like to teach their age group?
Kelsi, great questions! Numero uno tip for anyone, especially in a desert, is water and staying hydrated. And deserts become very chilly at night, so you have to either have dry matches, or if you don't, know how to start a fire (or a great sleeping bag). One day down the road maybe I'll teach you, I even know a very simple way almost anyone can do. It's fun to start a fire with your hands.
Nephews (I'm going to round up) - 1, 3, 9, & 17. The younger two of them from my brother who is much closer to me in age, the elders are from my eldest (I'm the youngest). To be honest, the younger ones (3,9) re-affirm my thoughts I don't feel I should be teaching young kids. I love them, but they will absolutely wear you out. I find I'm constantly worrying about them due to their youth and their ability to get into trouble or in a dangerous situation. I can't imagine a classroom full. My 17 year old nephew is a wise young man, I'd rather stick to that ...
Hello Joe. I think your dedication to becoming a teacher is extremely admirable. Switching careers can't be easy, but your drive and determination is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMy question for you is do you think that it is possible for a return of the strong rooted familial communities? How do you think your teaching style will reflect your desire for close-knit connections?
Thank you, Savannah, and to answer your question about communities, it is no. That is a great question and impossible to answer in full because I’ll write a novel of a post. I will say technology, as far as it may stretch us apart, can also bring us closer. And as humans we adapt, it’s our greatest skill. As for your other question, I remember as a kid, I saw teachers as something to be feared (I did go to Catholic school for four years which had a lot to do with it) and I was often nervous to even talk with them, say, after class or in the halls. It added a lot of anxiety to my being a student, and could also limit my class participation. Hopefully, and this is a BIG hope, I can create a classroom where students feel relatively comfortable, and not expecting to be lectured for an hour. I don’t want to be the laid back, easy going teacher, because I want them to learn, but I also certainly don’t want to be the overly stern, seemingly cold one whose class they loathe. The reason I went towards a history undergrad was my freshman year of HS, I had a teacher who I respected, but also engaged me by his ability to have me listen because he grabbed our interest, and want to learn. JF
DeleteHey, Joe (I can't help but think of that Jimi Hendrix song.) You have such an interesting background. My question to you, is how did you get into engineering? Also, what did the job entail and were there any other reasons that you felt it wasn't a good fit for you did you besides the fact that you wanted to get into teaching? I think it's wonderful that you're following your passion!
ReplyDeleteHey Bri, thanks for the questions. I'll try and be short. My engineering past is an odd one. When I left Fayetteville, I followed my brother (he had an engineering degree) to Las Vegas (it was booming) to secure a job with a sub-contractor with his help most likely in the field because I was ready to make money. This job would require no engineering education, just work ethic. I was in an office two months later as an asst engineer. Then I was moved to Phoenix as an engineer. Then I went full board and became certified in some facets, mostly concrete and such. To be honest, the recession was a blessing for me. The jobs weren’t as enjoyable, everyone was mad it seemed (myself included), and I thought every day after work “this isn’t for me.” I also moved often. When I was shipped to Ft. Hood, TX on a large hospital job, that was my straw. I tried to, but gladly, I gave my two weeks after I think 9-ish months on that project. The project was a great one, I just didn’t like the living situation or said job. I saw it as an opportunity to leave. So I did, and now, here I am. And don’t worry, that’s not the first time I’ve heard a Jimi reference. The one I hear the most is Tom Hanks’ character Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail.
DeleteHey, Joe! I really admire you for following your dreams despite the many obstacles. I am also curious about your engineering past, but I would like to know more about your love of Vonnegut. Would you say that his writings have inspired you to become the person that you are today and the teacher that you will soon be?
ReplyDeleteThanks Hannah, allow me to try - I’d be lying if I could say I knew a great deal about KV or his work. I have only read Slaughterhouse-Five, and that was in high school. I have noticed that from afar I seem to agree with seemingly everything he said himself, as a human, speaking about the nature of life. His philosophies intrigue me so much, but I’m honestly not that engaged in his fiction anymore or plan to pursue it in the near future. I know that sounds odd, it’d be like “loving” the beatles, but not having heard much of their music. But there are some larger than life characters w/ whom I tend to study their persona more than their work, perhaps a way to pick their brains and use it myself, but most likely to think about. But sometimes you have to separate from the artist to enjoy their art, which in contemporary fiction is easy to since we know so many things, but Vonnegut seems to me like one of the good ones both as a person and an artist. And he has that gift so many of wish we had, which is to be able to easily explain an impossible question/theory w/ relative ease. JF
ReplyDeleteHi Joe! I really enjoyed your biography and found it so inspiring that you left a career to follow your passions! Awesome! You mentioned that you write as a hobby. Do you still write and if so, what genres? Do you hope to be a writer and teacher?
ReplyDeleteHello Allison, thanks for your thoughts. I write fiction, mostly short stories. I never had the time to write "professionally" so I've found it hard to finish a novel. I wrote a screenplay forever ago when I had dreams of making movies for a living.In answer to your 2nd question, I would love to be a writer and a teacher.It's definitely a goal. Where I could have enough artistic freedom to write for this many months, and then teach the remainder of the year. It's a lofty goal, but definitely one I have.
ReplyDeleteHello! I think its so brave of you to make such a huge career change. Congratulations on following your passion. As a fellow francophile, I am curious about your love of French culture. Where did you visit in France, other than Paris?
ReplyDeleteAlso, you should speak in French with Allison and I sometime. It's fun to practice speaking outside of an academic setting.
Hello Shamiah, thanks for the message. I can't really explain my love for french culture, but I've had it since, always. A lot of it would come later with my literature classes, and then reading on my own with the ex-patriots who fled the states to get to Paris. Hemingway, Pound, Joyce, Fitzgerald, etc are some of my favorite writers and that scene must have been so amazing. That influx are artists ... heaven ... I also watch French film whenever I can, and read French philosophy.Let's see, it was a short trip by european trip standards, so we weren't there long. I think we spent two days in Paris. And cancelled a trip to versailles to get a move on to Brussels. I had to take it in from a train, but it was all I needed. Plus, we knew a family in Brussels which essentially France as you know, and we drove around and visited some smaller towns and such.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to pick your brains and try a little French with you two. I warn you, it's been a long, long time. But it's fun.
How did you end up coming to Georgia?
ReplyDeleteHello Abbey, the answer is family. My mother's side of the family has been here for years, her parents and my grand, were on oconee since I was just a tike (although they grew up in Atl). My maternal grandfather was a big part of our lives. I have parents here, an aunt, and a cousin. When I found out GCSU offered a one year masters program I packed my bags. JF
DeleteJoe, you brought up a very great point in your bio, the lack of male influence in the classroom. That's interesting to see how one male teacher in a school can have such an impact, primarily on the males. I know schools in poverty have less than 3% Black male teachers, which is sad.
ReplyDeleteAnother question is, what made you quit being an engineer? And was it hard, financially, for you to end that lifestyle? I applaud you for your bravery to go for what makes you happy.
Hey Skeika, and thanks for your input. It is sad, very sad, especially in areas where there are more single parent homes. Where I grew up, in Little Rock, this problem was rampant. A lot of kids in those situations (mostly boys) dropped out by HS. I know it will be difficult, but if I can just sway a few kids (hopefully a lot), possibly as a role model which they might easier find with a male, that's wonderful. Ps - 3%!!! That's incredibly low, Terrible.
ReplyDeleteMy lifestyle has changed a great deal, I call it "monastic." But it's all for the greater good. Most importantly, I'm happier than I have been in my adult life, so all of those financial pitfalls are minor. I will admit, I sometimes do miss having that blanket if you will of security, but I'm making it so far, so I'll keep moving forward. Thx, JF.
I love your thoughts on community and family! I think Milledgeville is the right place for you to be. So, where is your family now? Do you think that their location right now has influenced your thoughts on community?
ReplyDeleteMy parents, aunt, cousin live in the Oconee area. Greensboro/Eatonton. To be honest with you, my closest familial ties (although I obviously love my parents et al here) exist in Texas and Arkansas. Namely, my brother, sis-in-law, and my two youngest nephews back in Dallas (where I moved from). They are close to 1 and 3, and that little group is my universe. I just miss watching them grow up. Each day something new seems to happen. I go back as often as possible. My thoughts are with them more than anything. But, without saying, I love my little community here as well as you can imagine, and I do like Milledgeville very much. JF
DeleteHey, Joe! I'm glad to see that we'll have some diversity in our cohort by having a male in it! I thought your bio was very interesting, and I think it's cool that you've explored so much of the U.S. Out of everywhere that you've been, which place was your favorite and why?
ReplyDeleteHey back, tough, tough question. Southern Utah was my longest expedition with 52 straight days, so that's special. Alaska is amazing because of its expanse, being that you may not see another soul for days (which is why one must go with a group!). There are few set trails so you mostly use a topo map and rely on your skills. Every mile, if you’re on track, there is a tiny or somewhat large pyramid of rocks left by other backpackers called a cairn to let you know you’re on track. As you pass, you add your own stone. If I had to pick, I’d say Washington. I think because it was my first real trip, and I met people from all over the country for the first time (I believe I was 15). Puget Sound, Olympia, rain forests, I’m going back for the first time this December. Can’t wait. JF
DeleteHey Joe, I think its very admirable that you left engineering in order to pursue teaching. Your passion to be a role model for young men is inspiring, and I'm sure you'll reach many in your career. I also really enjoy hiking and enjoying the outdoors, though I have never seen a slot canyon (had to google it, but it is now on my to-do list). Do you have a favorite place to explore in Georgia?
ReplyDeleteHello, Casey, to answer your question I do not because I haven’t been, not once! Most (all) of my friends in the area are too busy w/ work and in some cases, kids. I wanted to plan a week or so to do the GA portion of the App. Trail which is about 80 miles this past winter break but ended up in hanging in. Plus, I’ve never gone solo for that long of a stretch, so I decided to hang out with the family which I couldn’t complain about. There is a small possibility, I told them my bad knee was why, which was about 5% true. Enough to make me sleep at night …
DeleteAlthough I was not in the private sector as long, I know that it is tough to leave a lucrative career, but at the same time an absolute necessity. I worked in property management with office high rises in Buckhead and could only think of how badly I wanted to leave the place forever. I felt that I was doing no actual good there.
ReplyDeleteI understand the need for more male teachers. My boyfriend just graduating with his degree for teaching high school history and I admire how readily students are to listen to him over the typical female teacher. I'm also always appalled at how few male students seem to participate or actively care about their education. How do you think this can be remedied to appeal to the boys who will be boys?
Hillary, great question and I appreciate your input on the old private sector past, you're right, you don't really feel proud about your work most of the time. As for the boys who will be boys, I'm not sure. It's something that will take some experience. I can remember, however, how very immature I was at that age. In hindsight, in my teenage years, personally, even though I had a high GPA in HS, I was only eager to learn History and English, so I was bored and listless in every other class, and like you said didn't actively care. I think many boys actually think it's cool to act like they don't care about education, a way of puffing their chest to authority. I took a college course this winter on Early American Lit with mostly students who were Sophomores and Juniors. The boys honestly could not have cared less I noticed. But if I’d have to guess they weren’t in school for Lit, and it was required. The other thing I noticed was they usually didn’t do their readings, so when our teacher wanted participation as far as males go, it was myself and one other who participated. The others just stared at the clock. I was thinking, if I were that teacher, I’d have very basic quizzes every session which so long as you read the text you would do well on. That way the entire class would at least have some sort of knowledge of what was going on, and possibly would want to participate. That’s just one case though. One of the other things our often feeble minded young brains tend to do, especially in HS, is actually think we look cool if we don’t care or challenge authority. Very mature stuff … JF
DeleteSince you love music and asked me about it, what is your favorite band and why?
ReplyDeleteOf all time the Stones. But I like to stay 21st century, it's a four way tie, in no order - St. Vincent, Tv On The Radio, The National, and Wilco. I love them, and each album they put out I can listen to beginning to end and enjoy. Plus, the best part is, they will obviously tour after each one so I can see them live which is my fav thing to do. Ps - Radiohead would be on this list, but I haven't liked their music since In Rainbows. JF
ReplyDeleteI know you said your true passion is writing and American Lit, but I did notice you mentioned history. What is your favorite topic/region/country to study in history?
ReplyDeleteHey Kinsey, great question. Mostly American History. From our beginnings through about the '60's I start to lose interest. I suppose in that context I don't see it as quite "historical." I find I am also drawn to the times we had to go to war, the war itself, and the impact it had on us as a society. I also (and this will sound random) love Russian and Japanese history.
DeleteHey Joe,
ReplyDeleteI always love hearing about people's travels around the country. I have always wanted to travel to the Midwest and see Arizona. I thought about doing graduate school for art therapy there. What is one survival tip that you would tell someone who has never camped in a desert?
My second question is about your four nephews. How old are they and do you think that you would like to teach their age group?
Kelsi, great questions! Numero uno tip for anyone, especially in a desert, is water and staying hydrated. And deserts become very chilly at night, so you have to either have dry matches, or if you don't, know how to start a fire (or a great sleeping bag). One day down the road maybe I'll teach you, I even know a very simple way almost anyone can do. It's fun to start a fire with your hands.
ReplyDeleteNephews (I'm going to round up) - 1, 3, 9, & 17. The younger two of them from my brother who is much closer to me in age, the elders are from my eldest (I'm the youngest). To be honest, the younger ones (3,9) re-affirm my thoughts I don't feel I should be teaching young kids. I love them, but they will absolutely wear you out. I find I'm constantly worrying about them due to their youth and their ability to get into trouble or in a dangerous situation. I can't imagine a classroom full. My 17 year old nephew is a wise young man, I'd rather stick to that ...