I am currently taking a graduate course online and was given an assignment that caused me to reflect on what I’m doing here – I still stop and ask myself that question a lot. We were to read the short story, “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes and respond to a quote of our choice from the text. Now, if you don’t want to engage in my little assignment, no problem, but I do think you should find the short story and read it (or re-read it). I’ll also mention briefly that I get marked down on APA criteria and other details all the time, so easy on me, English teachers – enough red marks already.
“The woman said, “You ought to by my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I
can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?””
This quote is simple, but carries a lot of weight. The woman sees the boy’s need for love and guidance. Even in her harsh tone, deep concern and compassion is expressed. She is aware, however, that she cannot fulfill the role of a parent or lifelong mentor – it is not her responsibility, nor her place to bear it. Despite the unspoken boundaries that exist, this woman seizes the opportunity to do what she can to take care of the boy and teach him a lesson that will last – a moral lesson, yes, but also a lesson on grace and love. She cannot save him from the pain or neglect in his life, but she can offer her heart and wisdom, a bar of soap, and a cup of cocoa.
This quote speaks to me on a personal level and certainly resonates with me as an educator. I have had many students in my classroom who remind me of this boy. They have walked through the door with dirt in the folds of their necks, soiled clothes, and black teeth. My natural desire is to take these children home and provide a safe, clean, loving environment, but, like the woman, I recognize that it is not my place to do so. What I can offer is a safe, clean, loving environment for part of their day. I can challenge them to grow and give them tools to be successful. If I have one hour a day, then let me use it well. If I have one year to show children that they are valuable and capable, that is my “right now.” The woman saw the needs of the boy and offered what she could at that moment. This quote allows me to see the significance of every small opportunity to give and to teach. It reminds me of the words spoken by Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Right now I am living and teaching in Cambodia – I cannot walk down the street without seeing extreme poverty. I know the change I would like to see. There is an endless list of things I “ought to” do or things that “ought to” be, but I cannot take on that responsibility. So, today I will help my students develop a second language, a skill that could give them more options in the future. I will teach them to think in a new way. I will laugh with them and enforce the consequences of copying homework or hitting (there was, in fact, a lot of love in the reprimand of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones), and I will eat lunch or play volleyball with them in an effort to build trust and strengthen relationships. It doesn’t seem like much and won't solve all the problems, but it’s my bar of soap.
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