LESSONS FROM A YEARBOOK
LESSONS FROM A YEARBOOK
By Albert Wang
It’s Wednesday afternoon, boxes of yearbooks have arrived. Es miércoles por la tarde. Han llegado las cajas de los libros
A YEARBOOK
By Albert Wang
It’s Wednesday afternoon, boxes of yearbooks have arrived. I wipe the sweat off my brow, each drop a reflection of the hours poured into its conception. I rush into my classroom and tear open the box in anxious anticipation. Under the packaging paper exhibits a vibrant, sky-blue, student made hardcover, emblazoned in all of its glory. I hold my breath and crack open the pages. That beautiful fresh print smell soon follows to envelope my classroom space. I take a moment to breathe it all in.
It’s a couple weeks later, and I finally breathe out. Since then, the pages of my personal yearbook have been tattooed with a flurry of notes and messages. Each excerpt, every stroke, inviting me into conversation with a child. One, a skater kid, another an anime fanatic. Each message brings a variegated, iridescent representation of their passions, hopes, and aspirations.
“Each message brings a variegated, iridescent representation of their passions, hopes, and aspirations. ”
Can colors only be seen through the visual stimulation of the mind’s eye, or can it take form through the simple strokes of black ink? Because I see every word, shining with hues of vision, purpose, and intention. Every line, saturated with persistence and passion. These students bring life to my eyes and showcase the depths of their cultural wealth for my soul to admire in awe.
I’m thrown back to the vibrancy of their stories from the weight of their pens. Our shared bond for tacos at La Costa, their morning offerings of conchas from Pink Elephant, while walking into the classroom with a smile on their face. And how could I forget their love for low-riders and excited talks of whatever new event is happening at SAP Center?
“Our shared bond for tacos at La Costa, their morning offerings of conchas from Pink Elephant, while walking into the classroom with a smile on their face.”