Archive for the ‘arrested’ Category

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Is finding half a penny somewhat lucky?

March 13, 2012

(Returning to my blog after nearly a year hiatus. Still teaching, sometimes writing. Thanks for reading. I wrote this last year, just posting it now.)

Today I am sitting with one student. I am no longer at the rehab. My site lost its funding and my school relocated to this parole office where most of the students are required to attend or go back to jail. The student with me this morning wears a tie-dyed t-shirt. He has nine more hours to complete. Coming to my school is his get out of jail free card. He is a lifelong follower of the Grateful Dead, even post-Jerry Garcia. He grows and distributes medicinal marijuana, sampling his inventory, no doubt.  Parole agents found two grams of Ecstasy in his house. Why do I feel like I’m in San Francisco and it’s 1968? He just wants to be left alone. Parole and my program are of no consequence to him.

What’s that rustle at the sign-in sheet?

That is my only student leaving early.

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Liberty Bell

January 31, 2010

I left a little late today and noticed a squad car parked just beyond the driveway that leads to the rehab community. One of my students —  at least I think it was Roland — was standing with his back to me. Two police officers stood on either side of him and his hands were cuffed behind him which made him appear much broader in the back. The door to the car was open and the police were about to push him inside. I had to pass them on the way out but didn’t look at Roland. This wasn’t the first time I’ve seen one of my students arrested. It’s an odd sight but I always remind myself it’s better than seeing them in a coffin. Roland was a quiet, hardworking student. He had come in for about an hour on Friday. On Fridays I play Oldies during class  if the students have been quiet all week. Shooby Dooby.

Update: It seems it wasn’t Roland being arrested last Friday. In trying to be discreet I made an assumption. I can jump to conclusions as quick as anyone with our prison population, something I have spent a decade trying to temper. Turns out, a fellow was trying to get into the rehab unauthorized. Beyond our gates is food, shelter, safety and community. As for me lesson learned once again.

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