Why Should I Become A Teacher?

Gemise: I don’t care like, this is something that will help me in the long run. And so I’m sitting there and I’m like, you know, I think the most part that people like about teaching, I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. But it’s like when you have your red pen, and you’re like, marking up these papers, and you’re like, yeah, like this is this is lightwork. Like grading was just a very nice aspect. But when I received their work, it was so [I remember that], right? You remember? Yeah. When I received their work, it was just not like college level material. And I was just, it frustrated me because I’m like, Well, what schools did they come from that are not giving them the opportunity to be like better than what they’re doing right now? Like, how did you not learn these simple things? Like how did you not learn how to write a simple paragraph and what to put in a paragraph like this should have been embedded in anything that the teacher was doing?

 [Music]

Zeke: I’d like to Welcome, everyone to another episode of the Let’s Gather Podcast. I’m your host Zeke. In this episode, I have my friend Gemise to speak about being a teacher. You can listen to the podcast on all major platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts by clicking the link in description below or going to https://allmylinks.com/letsgatherpod. Please rate five stars I like to give a content warning for any strong language used in this episode. I hope you have a nice day and enjoy the show.Yay. So first, like to thank you for joining the podcast.

Gemise: Thank you for having me.

Zeke: No problem. And then. So the first question that I always like to ask is, what would your origin story be?

Gemise: Like, just like, from where I come from and everything?

Zeke: Could be where you come from, could be a mad up story could be, where your at right now.

Gemise: [inaudible]. Um, I guess I’ll just, I would basically just say like, what everyone I mean, I’m born and raised in the Bronx. Low income family. been through some struggles, the usual stuff. single parent household. This mainly that, for the most part, like just being raised by a single mother. I think that’s like, what I walk through every time I tell somebody something about like, who I am, or like, where I came from, cuz like, that’s just what it is embedded.

Zeke: Cool. And would you make like a movie or book video game?

Gemise: You know, what, I’ve also I don’t know if I’ve, like explained this to people, but like, I’ve always wanted to, like, write a personal like story book or something like that. Not obviously, in my name, but like in someone else’s name. Like, you know, my own little persona. Um, but definitely, like, detailing, like, my specific life and what I’ve been through because it’s so…

Zeke: Nice. And you mentioned single father, I know that, because I missed a single father used to hear like single mothers stuff like that.

Gemise: No, no single mother. Yeah, I don’t have no my father’s in my life. Okay, you know, like, see him every once in a blue moon.

Zeke: Same here.

Gemise: Exactly. Right. We got to be raised by strong woman.

Zeke: You know, we might disagree with all the time. Why? You know, how me my mama, we just,

Gemise: I mean, it happens. I can like, I mean, it is important to have your father in your life, though. Like you do need at least both parents and they provide some perspective.

Zeke: Yeah. Of what not to do other stuff.

Gemise: We, we neither gonna get they’re not even going to get there.

Zeke: But so recently, you’ve been teaching, right?

Gemise: Yes, I teach. I’m going into my second year of teaching pre k at a community based organization. So it’s basically a daycare, pre K, preschool center, in a community. So it’s like very home base. Like it’s meant to be empowering and like for the community, and, you know, just to be there for them.

Zeke: How was teaching people who keep telling me to become a teacher, almost like that’s scary.

Gemise: Um, you know what, and that’s the same thing people told me when I was younger, they were like, you’re going to become a teacher? And I’m like, heck, no, I’m like, you want me to sit there and deal with immature children. I’m like, that is not what I want to do in my life. I’m like, I would rather be doing media or some other thing that’s like going to show and present my face and like, use my voice and then come in turn around. I’m like, right into teaching. And I’m actually didn’t I necessarily, it’s not that I didn’t want to teach pre K or anything like that. But like, I definitely did not want to teach middle school because like, the immaturity level of children, I just, I don’t have the patience for it. But it’s funny that I have the patience for like little kids because I know they’re like, learning and they’re, they’re in the process of developing those skills. skills and stuff. So it’s not that terrible. But um, teaching is very difficult. Like, don’t let anyone tell you anything different, like, and there’s no rulebook to it. So it’s like, you’re put to the standard of like, this is what you have to teach, like, yes, this is curriculum that you have to teach and and it’s like, but what are you going to bring into the classroom, that’s going to make it so that it’s not just about curriculum, like, if people think that you can teach kids about race, like little four or five year olds, like you can teach them about race, you can teach them about racism, you can teach them about financial literacy. And it’s like, how do I still incorporate all that all of that stuff. And also, like, embedded in the curriculum, where it’s like, you have to teach it to fidelity, like you can’t play around with it, you could play around with it just to fit the needs of the student, but it’s like, in compasses, so many things that, like teaching is just, it’s not. And it’s not only about that, it’s like building relationships, it’s about the planning part, which I’m still working on is just like trying to be more organized in that aspect. So it’s like so many things that come with it. And it’s like, the parents come in there, and they expect you to do your job, like, are you teaching my child the right way? Or are they just playing in the classroom all day?

Zeke: Like, how is teaching like little kids like, that really? Like? Like, are you coming to like, a lesson plan?

Gemise: Yeah. I mean, um, I think so we have, like, it’s, it’s not, it’s kind of the same way as you teach, like, you know, any other grade level, but I think for pre K, specifically, there’s a lot of learning through play. So you know, they spend at least a good 75 minutes like being in their own, like, they’re going to the block area, they go into the dramatic play center, they it’s like they have that time to kind of learn through these like hands on type of experiences, right. And so a lot of it, a lot of what we do when we teach them is songs, because they know that they can, like sing back to you. And that’s the best way for them to remember things. And then it’s the simple fact that like, you’re not teaching them. So say, for instance, if I’m teaching like the number one, like, I would obviously make that something that it’s like very simple for them to get through and like something that they can play with. So like, if they’re in the block area, I’m like, one block one block, right. So it’s like something like that, instead of like sitting there lecturing them, because they’re not going to listen to you, they’re going to block out, they’re going to be rolling around on the carpet. They’re not, they’re going to run off of the carpet, and they’re actually not going to be learning anything. So it’s like, I guess for like, you have to be very, very, like very specific. When you think about like what you’re doing with pre K students, between the ages of at least two and five. It’s a lot of like, things that you have to take into consideration because they’re, they can only sit for so long, like 10 minutes is even too much for them. So it’s like, are you going to give them a little brain break? Like, are you going to let them dance around a little bit? Not too much. Because then once they get excited, it’s like, through the roof, right? So it’s like teaching them is it’s more on your part of like you being a child again. So like if I wanted to learn something that I needed to learn like a math subject, or like some science experiment, like how would I want to learn it? If I was a child? Like, what would you want your child to do in order to do that, and like just kind of like making that go inside your classroom?

Zeke: Pretty much, got to make it fun teaching is not fun all the time.

Gemise: Pretty much. It has to be fun. It can be demanding, like you can’t expect them like to show them the letter A and be like, yeah, I’m and then they’re like, you ask them what letter that they’re like. I don’t know, like, and I’m like, of course you don’t know. Because it’s like, do you have to have practice with it? Like you have to play around with it. They have to do fun games with it. And it’s like, I think that’s the part that like, people don’t understand. And it’s like, well, the kids are just playing all day. And it’s like No, they’re not playing all day. They’re actually playing and learning at the same time. You just don’t see it because they haven’t too much fun. Which is something you don’t see when you go like higher up like you don’t see kids playing in middle school. I don’t I don’t remember no, you just gave me a textbook and called it a day High School is the same thing. College is the same thing. It’s like the fun aspect left the entire building.

Zeke: Compare and like go speaking to Quinn the other day about how he teaching like middle school is very similar, you have to like you had to base the teaching based on the student’s needs. So you have to mix up the different the different teaching styles some people need visual, some people auditory, some people, need experimenting our experience with our college experience, similar also. Just kind of had like, Okay, take a breath is like what one do you need?

Gemise: Exactly. And it’s like, I mean, like, obviously, like, I think, when it comes to power, like professors are just like, I’m gonna lecture this to you and you just learn how I [inaudible]. I’m teaching it to you because it’s like, if you want me to read 20 pages of a textbook, but what if I’m not Like, if I don’t want to read anything, I just want to look at diagrams and stuff of that nature, which is like a teaching style just varies across the board, which is and some people don’t take it into consideration because certain kids just won’t they just won’t learn best if they don’t have their resources that they need

Zeke: Yeah because I’m personally I’m better at like visual and it’s great like, do like the example that aright cool then I ask my questions and I got it. You want me to read I can but like I’m a fall asleep.

Gemise: Which is an imagine telling, imagine trying to tell a three year old like you read that just look at reading read this little number and tell me what you see. Like they’re not going to do it. Come on out. We have to see like where they’re at developmentally and like what’s developmentally appropriate?

Zeke: Yeah, you have to get to the point where like our parents, and then you ask them a question, and they get it wrong. And then they can just keep yelling louder. And just like, that’s not how that works.

Gemise: And you know what, I think that’s like it, depending on how frustrated you get. And that’s, you know, that’s like, mainly, and I’ve thought about that. And I’m like, usually, like when the kids don’t get the right answer. I’m, like, heavily frustrated. And I’m like, I have to remember that like, I can’t do it with my mom did and like, repeatedly, you say the question and think they’re going to know like, I didn’t know it the first time. And maybe I’m playing around with you. And maybe I’m just joking with you. But like the second time if the third time if I look at you and I don’t I tell you I do not know this answer. I do not know the answer. It’s like the screaming does not help anything. It just imitate intimidates the child, and just make them feel like they don’t know what they’re doing.

Zeke: Yeah, still got PTSD scars, that,

Gemise: Trust me. We I think we all do. I think like the amount of times my mom yelled at me, like, does this mean and I’m like, come on. I’m just like, I’m scared for my life. I’m like, Listen, I don’t know what to tell you right now.

Zeke: Cuz I was tutoring. I remember getting to that point just ike, I can’t even I don’t know what to do. I had to calm down. Let’s just set that point. This is the point it was not that point.

Gemise: Exactly. Like, it’s, it’s like, you know, because it is like, I think when you especially when you’re tutoring like you know, you have to like, it’s like, especially if you’ve learned it and you’re like, wait, what’s the simplest way I can teach this to you so that you can get it? And it’s like, I think I’ve done it already. So if you don’t know it, I’m still frustrated it like, I don’t know what to tell you. Yeah.

Zeke: Yeah, that’s a yes. That is the difference between being able to teach something and knowing something. A lot of people know things. But the teacher is a different, different, different. Different mindset, as a whole.

Gemise: Yeah, I definitely agree. I mean, like, which is I mean, I’m like going through my grad school program and stuff like that. And it’s like this difference between, like knowing and understanding, like, you can know something, but the fact that you understand it means that you can apply it to a bunch of situations. So if you can’t apply to a bunch of situations, there’s no way that you can teach it. Because it’s like, well, I can teach you the basics and fundamentals, like, you know, one plus one equals two, but like, what am I doing past that? Like, how can I give you this and teach it to you so that you’re able to use it in your daily life? Right? Like, if you don’t have that understanding part down, you able to teach nothing?

Zeke: Yeah, that’s why I was like, I’m like, I need help. Me, expert. Teach me to me real quick. Okay, cool. Sometimes we know something just missed the steps. He just all right, this, you just take it for granted. All right. I start here started step three step. So step one.

Gemise: Yeah, definitely. I think, you know, my lesson plan is don’t be all together. Trust me.

Zeke: Maybe I had a time where you have a plan. And then you go into it. And then the students are like, we need something else. Like, say, the lesson plan, you have idea is all set. And then it just, you know, if it wasn’t on the slide?

Gemise: Yeah, you know why there? Being a first year teacher is really difficult, because it’s like, you don’t and especially since like I didn’t, I felt like if I shadowed someone in the beginning, it would have been better, like at least a week of like, what it looked like to do this and to do that. And like sitting there and like when I had to intentionally like actually, like create this lesson plan or this read aloud. And I’m like, let me see what I can do. And I recorded myself teaching because you know, that has to do that for my grad program. And it’s like, when you can, the kids won’t even tell you when the lesson plan just fall short. Because they don’t know what you’re teaching them. They’re not aware of anything. They just think you’re reading to them. But they’re actually learning like lesson. So like, you can feel the failure all in your body. And it’s like, especially if I come to that question, and I’m like, like, say for instance, if I was reading a Little Red Riding Hood, and I’m like, what, like, why did the wolf want to eat grandma? Like why? Why did he want to get to grandma in the first place? And they’re like, because little red, right? I’m like, well, that’s not The as I was technically looking for, or like you just you can see the students like the students will tell you in their behavior that like, this is just, it’s just not working anymore, like whatever you’re trying to do right now is just not working, especially if I got like, five kids on the carpet, two of them running around the room and other ones looking around circling around playing with each other. Like, that’s how, you know, you basically failed your lesson plan in a pre k classroom, especially if like, you didn’t take the kids specific needs into consideration because like, maybe that kid is a fidgeter. So okay, cool. Let me give him something to just play with real quick, right? And it’s like, when your lesson plan fails, like you can feel it and it just feels like a failure, because it’s like, well, how can I make this better so that the next time I create something, it’s gonna actually be effective? as well as like, how can I make sure that these kids are ready for kindergarten? Like, that will just be a huge failure on my part, because it’s like, your kindergarten teacher is going to be like, What school did you come from? And I’m, like, I’m not aware of who that child is, I’m sorry, for me, right? And it’s like, I guess, like that pressure right there. And it’s like, I guess, you can feel the failure, but also that like, what they usually tell teachers is like, it’s a work in progress, like the things that you do, like, you’re going to get better at it every year as you become a new teacher, and you get a new set of students and stuff. So it’s like, they become an expert teacher, or like, you know, a very good educator is it takes some time. So there was a few times I failed, and the kids was just rolling on the carpet. And I just, I was like, fine, I’m not reading anymore. I’m done. I don’t, let’s just let’s just sit and relax. So lunch comes right? And then I’m just like, wow, like, I really just failed all of them right now. So you do feel those moments, like I do feel defeated. So it’s really difficult.

Zeke: It’d be like that sometimes.

Gemise: It’s so sad.

Zeke: My main thing about teaching scared is that like children, they also do in life. And then we you, we care for somebody else’s child, you get to that it’s like a heightened level of what you call alertness that you want. And then you have hyper sensitivity, and you got to be a strong person for that.

Gemise: Yeah, you definitely do.

Zeke: And you decide you want to protect a child, you can’t do all of it. Because though your child as soon as we can get into all of it.

Gemise: No, you can’t. I mean, listen, I wish I could give them all the things that they need, but like to put that and I mean, you could but it’s like the things that that that is expected of like educators now is is it’s like you’re teaching ABCs all the way to like, well, how can I make sure that my parents retire at the right time, right? And it’s like, well, I can’t teach that, like wallet that to this kid in 12 months, like our hope that he learns all of it, but it’s like it Realistically speaking, you just have to, like figure out how to put it in the most kid friendly way possible.

Zeke: So you start from ABC, Now you’r, like now invest in Apple stocks.

Gemise: Like, could you imagine me telling a child that they’re probably like, I don’t know what you’re talking about Ms. Gemise. And I’m gonna be like, I don’t know what I’m trying to teach you either.

Zeke: Like, you see the iPad. It’s a company that made it right? And then that company, you can buy part of the company, and then they pay you. Like, word.

Gemise: Definitely in this like, teaching them money. Like, come on. Now. It’s, it’s, it’s a lot of stuff that comes into it. Listen,

Zeke: Like I went to business school and I still don’t understand money. That should tell you something. I got a C minus a c minus a finance.

Gemise: Y’all did that to yourself. I was I was not trying to do anything business related. I knew my body couldn’t take it.

Zeke: I mean,

Gemise: I wasn’t prepared.

Zeke: Neither was I. But what click to make you become a teacher?

Gemise: Um, oh. This is like, what they call your why when you go to when you start teaching like this is what makes you like, what you when you first got in, and then like, why you continue to do it, I think for me was like when I was in the seat program, and I finally like got that opportunity to be summer workshop Academy leader. And so I was teaching critical inquiry at that time. And all I remember is like, I mean, those group of students were just awesome, like so many different personalities and stuff. And I was just happy to have that opportunity because I had been trying to get in for the longest to teach communications. But that didn’t work out. But I was like, This is still a leg up, like I don’t care, like this is something that will help me in the long run. And so I’m sitting there and I’m like, you know, I think the most part that people like about teaching, I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but it’s like when you have your red pen, and you’re like marking up these papers and you’re like, yeah, like this is this is like work, like grading was just a very nice aspect. But when I received their work, it was just so winners, right? You remember? Yeah. When I received their work, it was just not like college level material. And I was just, it frustrated me because I’m like, Well, what schools did they come from that are not giving them the opportunity to be like better than what they’re doing right now? Like, how did you not learn these simple things? Like how did you not learn how to write a simple paragraph and what to put in a paragraph like, this should have been embedded in anything that the teacher was doing? And so like, I think I had a conversation with them. And I was like, and you know, I was chill with them. Because we’re all around the same age. We’re still in the same experiences. And I’m just having a conversation like, what schools did you guys come from? I’m like, because I, I honest, I was transparent. I was like, because your work is just I was like, what, what is this? And they were on it. They were like, there was like, I know, it was that I was, I’ve literally winged it. And I was like, well, what’s going on? Like, What school did you come from? And they were like, yeah, I came from the school in the Bronx. And I came from the school in Brooklyn. And I’m just like, and they were like, yeah, then once it was like, Yeah, they literally just passed me for like, literally barely passed the regents and they just wanted me out the building. Like, they were basically telling me these stories of teacher just making them go further on to their education, even though they weren’t ready for the next stage of their life. And it’s like, we’re just, we’re just making these people just swing through, like, this is what life is supposed to be. And it’s like, well, you didn’t even get the basic foundation of knowledge that you need to be a better student in college. And so that, like, cuts me off very much. And, like, that’s when I applied to Teach for America. And I was like, I’m hoping I get high school. And I didn’t get high school. But I was like, maybe it was just assigned. I was like, continuously telling people I’m like, I want to understand the foundation like I want to, I’ve been a student. I’ve been in the Bronx my entire life. Like I know the school system very well, since I’ve experienced it. And I was like, I need to be on the teacher side to see what foolishness is going on. Right? And it was like, I definitely got here until the foolishness halls like very important for me to just be in pre K or to be an EC early childhood educator. Right now. So that’s like my why what like clicked me to like, push me it’s just frustration when you feel that that this anger and build up and it just pushes you.

Zeke: Yeah. Okay. I could see that. I remember in High School guidance counselor told us that a lot high schools are just getting them to graduate not getting them ready for college.

Gemise: Like, what’s the purpose? Yeah, it was like, next. Exactly. Like what what do you make me go here for four years four.

Zeke: Or so like a Coach Carter, there’s one of those people, though, when other people were going to school like these students like, the higher than their life, just like, just high, high school shouldn’t be a high for your life, do more. Cus you’er going to live a long time.

Gemise: And that’s another thing. It’s like people put this like pressure on like you getting to college and stuff. And it’s like, well, they’re not preparing us for it. So what are we supposed to do?

Zeke: The to be honest, I don’t understand the structure of this, like the structure of a sentence. I can’t explain it to you, but I know how to write. You think I do?

Gemise: You know how many times they probably taught us like where the noun goes and where the verb goes. And I’m just like, Listen, I know how to write the sentence. Don’t ask me which part is of which, because I can’t tell you from a hole in the wall.

Zeke: My sophomore year high school, I got a, like 6 out of 16 on the um’s um. Definition test. It was all like most of them was like sense of structure stuff. Like for now nouns adjectives, I’m just like. I don’t know, [inaudible].

Gemise: Exactly right. Like, I mean, there’s certain things you learned that you just don’t. You don’t remember? And it’s like, I guess it’s fine. To a certain extent, depending on what you want to do with your life. But like, I think English like I love writing, but you couldn’t tell me this. I’m sorry. Too much.

Zeke: Yeah. And also they were high school is mostly the census on what you would call a shock shirt to school driving structure until you get to college, and then just like, everything’s open and they think to yourself, you just like, I like that could be a whiplash.

Gemise: Yeah, because it’s like, well, and I think that’s another thing is like your, which is why like, public speaking is so important. Like, if you can’t openly express yourself, because that’s what the press is asking you. Like when they ask you a question. They expect you to be able to articulate yourself and explain your reasoning and your opinion and things of that nature. And it’s like, well, they weren’t asking me this in high school. All I was told was I need to get the right answer. And if I don’t have the right answer, I have have failed. So it’s like what? There’s no like, they don’t teach them to speak out. And it’s like, that’s, that’s a huge problem.

Zeke: Because this summer, I was out of my element because I was talking about Black Studies, and I had to help them with the essay parts. And I was like, you guys, I am not the best essay writer. But the main problem is that they didn’t know how to do things. Because there was waiting for the structure of like, this is how you just said the professor, would you write the essay? But he only gave him was it was a part. But go ahead, do what you want.

Gemise: Yeah, exactly. I think that’s where like, the creative aspect comes in like people aren’t, we’re not teaching people to just, you know, do what they want to do in their own space. We’re teaching them to beat like these robots. And like, this is how you write this. And this is how you write that this is what you have to do. And it’s like, well, what’s a way that they can do it on their own so that when they get back into like, their own space, they’re like, Okay, I think I can write this the way that I need to write it without feeling stressed, and like pressure that this is the structure that it needs to be in. And it’s like, in reality, speaking the truth like that, there is no real true structure. Like, if I got my point across, I’ve gotten my point across like, I think that’s what they’re not teaching, the creative aspect of it is like, we are losing that from people. People are just finding it in different ways. And then it’s like, No, we should just all have that side of it. It’s like, it’s not so straightforward all the time.

Zeke: Yeah, school system sucks.

Gemise: You tell him, listen, you don’t even know the half of it. You don’t even know that half of it. I’m like, I’m, I’m a part of this, like, ECE um, advocacy thing, be a part of OPNY and we’re like doing our campaign right now. We’re trying to, like, get the research and like figure out like, what we can change in the school system. And when I tell you, the like power mapping the the funds, even thinking about how the funds go into the school system, it was a headache, it’s already a headache.

Zeke: Based on area income right?

Gemise: It’s based on so like the fund is, so your funding streams are like, they’re like DOB. They’re the feds, they’re nonprofit, it’s like all over the place. But then it’s also, um, the schools get paid based on I know, pre K, I’m speaking for pre K, they get based per pupil. So it’s like, this is how much your child is worth at this school. And this is how much we think you’re gonna need in your classroom based on this child’s work. So it’s like, they’re just putting $1 on each child and expecting that to fit across the board. And it’s like, well, there are some schools that are more impoverished than others. And how do you expect to fix that? What do you expect to do? And then I found out yesterday, which is the most craziest thing in the world, that they’re actually receiving funding from, like, the criminal justice system. So like, they’re circling the drug money back into the school system to kind of get away from this, like poverty aspect. So it’s supposed to cure the poverty in the city. So it’s just like, so you’re using drug money to fund these programs? Wow. Okay.

Zeke: Yeah,

Gemise: Beautiful. Yeah. Yeah, just circle the money. Yeah. Around

Zeke: The prison,  the school to prison pipeline, then you have schools getting money based on disability students.

Gemise: Exactly. And to get it for a disability student is even more because like, even I’m an ICT teacher. So it’s an integrated, like, classroom teacher. And so I do have special education students in my classroom. And it’s like, I’ve heard countless times that the only way that my school would have stayed like, just functioning, is the fact that they have those special education children in the building, because we would not get the amount of enrollment that we need. And it’s like, well, now I’m curious how much you’re paying for these students with disabilities? How much are you actually putting work per child and how much are you receiving per child, just to have them being enrolled in your program? Like it’s just is ridiculous. I will disability is doing terrible. I know all about that on the site work sealless. It’s just and that’s another thing, like people are natural, anything that’s like conversation that’s coming up is like sped it’s like these, listen, you don’t know how many like IEPs I’ve looked at, and they’ve all been copy and paste, copy paste. I literally read one child and she’s a girl. She’s a female, they literally refer to her as a male. And I’m like, so you didn’t even bother to read or even see this child because you didn’t do anything. And it’s like they’re they’re not treating. They’re not treating spend children like with more like, according to their needs and their specific situations. It’s it’s really frustrating.

Zeke: Teaching is fun. Rewarding.

Gemise: It can be it can be fun. Sometimes I think I’m being in pre k like I’ve been challenged. With the kids a few times.

Zeke: Yeah what else about school teaching? So how do you like deal with each child’s like, different needs? Or would have a bad day? When they’ve gone? Yeah.

Gemise: Um, well, you know, that has drastically changed with, you know, remote learning and stuff of that nature. But, um, I feel like, like, I mean, I’m real big on just building that personal relationship with each student. So like, I’ll sit there, I’ll talk to them. I’ll like try to figure out like, who their immediate family is, and like, what they like to watch, but they like to play with. And I think in that aspect, it’s like, just having that compensation with them. You learn so many like little things that like, it’s not even a little like to them. It may seem little, but it’s like huge, because it’s like, well, how can I incorporate that into the classroom? So like, last year, my kids really love. What is it PJ Mask? Oh, my gosh, I still tell you like, I think I like completely forgot about who the characters are for that show. But I know it’s like Geico or get go and like, Cat Boy. And yeah, it’s exactly right, that they were bringing me back to like, being a little child. And I was like, now I have to go home and like, watch these shows just to have this conversation with you. So it takes a lot of time. And like building those relationships and stuff. So like, you get kids that are having bad days, you know, I’ve been, I’ve been bit I’ve been kicked, I’ve been spitting like, you know, and it’s like, having that, like, you get frustrated, obviously, you get angry and stuff like that. But I think it’s also the fact that like, you have to sit there and have that conversation with the child to see what’s bothering them. So like, if I feel like if one of my kids like I know, he’s like angry, or she’s angry, and they’re like, upset, I’m like, Well, the thing that they have in pre K is called the, you know, your safe place. So like, they go in the corner, they sit there, they relax, they like speak about their mood, and they try to like calm down and do certain like breathing exercises and stuff like that. But then it’s like some kids just don’t, they don’t want to like dance like San Francisco, like if they don’t want to dance for music and movement. I’m like, Okay, well, you can stand there and you can like sit at the table. It’s like, you have to give children options and choices like you either have one or the other. And it’s like, in order for them to like be able to express themselves, you know, because when you get older, it’s like, well, they try to limit your speaking. And it’s like, no, I need to tell you that, like, this is what I need from you. And like the kids will tell you, they’ll be like machines, I don’t want to dance. And I’m just like, Can you just please and if they don’t do it, I’m just like, are I fine? Like, you do what you need to do? Like, and then with remote learning is the same situation like one child he came on. And he was like, he was he did not want to come on zoom. He was like, um, I was like, do you not want to be here? He was like, No, I was like, Well, are you going to join us tomorrow and so forth? And he was like, Yes, I was like, go on and enjoy your day. Like they’re in their homes as well. Like, you’re invading their private space. Like, I mean, if I was home to I wouldn’t want to be on a zoo, either. So it’s like, you have to give them that opportunity to just not be in the space if they don’t want to be Yeah.

Zeke: Sure, like children complex  and then you always have to adapt to and okay cool. Sometimes everybody has a bad days.

Gemise: Yeah, they have I mean, they come in, they’re angry, they want to be violent to their friends probably like, they may want to hit someone, they may want to do this, some children can control it. And like, I think for you, you just have to be patient. And you have to be willing to kind of teach them what it means to have this to build their social emotional skills. Or if they’re angry, you’re not teaching them to go punch walls, you’re teaching them to verbalize what they’re saying. So like this past year, there was a lot of children there was like, they would shut down and like you could see it in their face. Like when they got angry, you would be like, you would try to talk to them. And they would not say a thing, they would rather just throw toys or do some other thing. And it’s like, it’s not about that it’s about you, the teacher being able to just have this like functioning conversation. And you have to have that relationship first. Because it’s like, if I don’t trust you, I’m not gonna care what’s coming out of your mouth. Right? Like, you could tell me all you want to tell me, and I’m not gonna listen, like if you tell me to stop throwing toys at the friend at one of your friends. Like, I’m just gonna keep doing it. Why? Because I don’t know you like that. You’re not. You’re my teacher. But we haven’t had that solid relationship first. It was like building that relationship first and then like teaching them these techniques to kind of get them to understand that that’s not the appropriate way to release your anger, the appropriate way to express yourself like you could even say like, I’m angry. Like, that’s literally that’s literally the first that like just being able to verbalize what you like need in that situation and what you feel. And it’s like some kids just need that language. And some teachers are just like, they think it’s just them being bad. And they’re like, Well, let me kick them out the classroom or let me Take them down here, let me do this and let me do that. And it’s like, no, like, what do you think you’re dealing with, you’re in a low income community, people have trauma, like the children feel the trommel. Like, they’re not, they’re not stupid, they feel everything and they’re experiencing what their parents are experiencing. So it’s like, you have to take that into consideration about what’s going on in their personal life as well.

Zeke: That’s the point and to say, because children will feel a child when they will express it is like, [inaudible].

Gemise: Exactly. Did you think I like getting bit or spit it like, No, it wasn’t enjoyable. I know, there were like things going on in that like household and things of that nature that I just needed to, you know, I needed to, I felt, I felt I was angry. I was furious. I had to do a few walks out of the classroom, because I needed to just get myself together. And you know, after a while, like, it just, it just like comes to you depending on how important you just feel about children and like just the fact that they’re well, and that their mental health is well important. Like is just a big part of it as well.

Zeke: Yeah. What else is going on in life quarantine?

Gemise: What made a lot of stuff going on with quarantine, there’s there’s a lot of what is remote learning. There’s a lot of police brutality, I don’t even want to, that’s just another,

Zeke: RIP Black Panther

Gemise: Oh my god, you know, I literally had to text. My boyfriend. I was like, This is so sad. I was like, please tell me the same true I was like this. There’s been enough grief enough grief, like, just let me live. Let me breathe. And I was like, for four years. And I’m like, I was like, I don’t I was like, I don’t even know how to like, look at his situation like some people are like, it was like he really held it. Like he went through all of this with all his struggle. And I’m just like, there’s also this aspect that like, capitalism just makes you just throw yourself out there so much that you just forget to Like, make sure that you’re well and that you’re safe. And it’s like, I don’t even know what to think. Like, I’m just like, this is the best inner circle I’ve ever seen in my life.

Zeke: A nobody said nothing. Really better than a secret service was like in episode 5.2 Hamed, you should get Chadwick Boseman to play him in his movie. [inaudible] movie.

Gemise: Exactly right. Like, how are we supposed to do this now? It was so sad. I was just like, I’m just hoping Well, I’m wondering if any of the kids that I get this year will have like a deep sense of like Black Panther is my like hero. None of this like I can’t do right now. Please don’t, Please don’t make me go through this

Zeke: 2020 been a new year.

Gemise: It’s been pretty terrible. And like, with all this, like, I think for me, it’s just mainly like, I mean, we’ve all been sitting in the house I’ve been I was at least in my home for a good like four or five months. So I actually stepped outside unless to like, get groceries and stuff. But like now that this whole like reopening stuff is happening. And I like like, I gotta be around the kids again. Like, why are you doing this to me, I you know, I don’t want to infect anybody, and I don’t want anyone else to get infected. So it’s like, now you want me to come bulletproof to teach kids? This?

Zeke: Don’t work like that. Think about going Teacher? Teacher, they’ll say. So back and forth with it.

Gemise: I think it’s a very, like, you definitely need like, you definitely have to want to be a teacher. Because it’s like, and I think a lot of people say this is like people don’t go into teaching for the pay. Because I mean, we we don’t get paid like that. It’s not that any that’s great. Right? And it’s like so you literally have to like think about like, do I really care for children? Like what is my passion? Like, why am I even teaching kids in the first place? Why do I even want to teach a child? Like, why would I want to do that in the first place? And it’s like, I think for me specifically, like, it’s just, I don’t know, I like to want to just love their little faces. Like you don’t understand how happy they are in the classroom and how much they be making me laugh. Like, there’s times when we literally tickled each other just to get through the day. Like so it’s like just, like just playing around with them in general. And it’s like, then when you’re teaching them it’s like you’re actually building towards the next generation. And I keep telling people like a lot of people say like, you know when you’re in early childhood education, like You’re teaching the children and it’s like, but the thing is you’re teaching children and you’re also teaching the parents like you’re educating everyone like the students, the parents, the community, because it’s like, as, as they go down in the line, like third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, you start to lose that parent engagement in that parent education. It’s like, it starts to tumble down, because in college, you don’t need your parents with you anymore. Even even in high school, depending on how you are like with my mom, she was like, well, you’re getting good grades, so I don’t need to go to parent teacher conference. And it’s like, wow, you just, you must have did your part A long time ago, but it’s like, there’s also this aspect that we’re not educating our parents enough either like we’re not teaching these parents what it means for your child to be in this specific program. Like what are they learning in this school? Like what do they need to know in order to advocate for their child in the long run? And you know, that’s what I’m just trying to work on right now.

Zeke: Yeah definitely remember mom be very more vocal elementary and then once I got to middle school she seen I was, okay, high school, she was like I don’t need to go. Why do I need to go to parent teacher conference? Except that one time I got a 75 in calculus and she was ready to kill me.

Gemise: Yeah, what is what is about that? I have to have this conversation with parents they just be they expect you to be getting at 85 90 and you know what? You look at their report cards and you’re like, well, I don’t think you got that so I don’t know why expecting it for me.

Zeke: It was mainly because I’m good at math. And she was like what happened? If it was English alright I understand you suck at English. There’s like this is math. This is what you’re good at. Exactly. That’s it the teacher gave it to me to humble me.

Gemise: So if you will waive it the teacher gave you that to humble you.

Zeke: Yeah. He didn’t want he didn’t want me get too ahead of myself.

Gemise: Wow, see, this is this is what we’re this is what we’re doing as teachers I can’t I cannot believe it. It’s like yeah, let me just shoot you down a little bit. Just so you know, the reality of the situation that I need you to put you down a few pedestals so you know, what we doing right now?

Zeke: I mean, I got I got 90 in the class at the end of it. So

Gemise: I know but like come on now. What What if your mother was just like he was so angry and so frustrated? And she was like, You know what? I’m beating you tonight like that would have been a beaten that could have been avoided. If he had given you what you need it right. Like what you deserve, rightfully deserve,

Zeke: I think he explained to her what happened like way that that’s what called her down. She was just angry [inaudible rambling] angry. This is what happened.

Gemise: That’s ridiculous.

Zeke: Yeah. You’re, working with other people’s children.

Gemise: Yeah, I am working. Yeah. You know what, I get a lot of questions. I’m like, maybe like, are you a parent? And I’m like, I don’t have no child of my own. And they’re like, Oh, so so our children are like your children. And I’m like, Yeah, they definitely are, trust me. He’s like, No, no, what I mean? I mean, I see it that way. Because it’s like, they’re my students. And like, I like build these deep relationships with them. And it’s like, you know, I’m, you’re, you’re, you’re bringing them in my custody for at least seven hours a day. And it’s like, I would expect you to treat them like they were your own. Right. Like, what if you wouldn’t do that to your child? Don’t be doing it to mine.

Zeke: A member of the summer Last summer I was working at Baruch. And one of the students asked why I’m so pessimistic? [inaudible]. It was like, we watch other people children. That’s a whole different story. I’m expecting the worse.

Gemise: Exactly. Yeah. Yeah, you always have to be, and I feel like it’s even worse with children because it’s like, tutor will be honest, and go home and tell their parents what what you said what you did and what you didn’t do. Right? Like they’re not sitting there holding back any information. And it’s like, especially with like, children, like, you know, you’re still taking care of them. Like they’re still probably trying to learn to use the bathroom. It’s like, well, I can’t leave them in poop and pee all day. So like, now I got to be changing diapers. Right? So it’s like, you go home. If your parent picks you up in there, they’re going to be frustrated if you still have diaper like doo doo in there from like, one like 10 this morning, like come on now. Let’s be real. So it was like it is a lot of like, added pressure to like, you know, treat other people’s children, you know, the same way you would treat your own.

Zeke: Like Kevin Hart said, the baby came here were both eyes. Right? Right. Are you sure exactly. The oven my baby was smart your baby wasn’t smart.

Gemise: He was so for real in that one.

Zeke: Was like I gotta give it back the way they came from. My mom would say, I want to go to school. One thing, this is something new,

Gemise: Which is what it should be. And I think that’s, that’s a big part of it. But I think what we, like learn something new, but it’s like, people, I think we need to just start framing school as like, you’re just you’re learning to learn, you’re learning to become a person. So it’s like, um, like, I want you to be able to think I want you to be able to be like an advocate, I want you to be able to be a civilian, like, I want you to be able to preach to the choir when you need to when you get out there in the real world. And it’s like, well, between pre K and 12th grade, you’re just your robot. And then when you get into college, you start to experience a little bit more of like, flexibility and more open space. And it’s like, well, now I can learn these things. But it’s like, that’s so late in the game. Like you could have taught me this in middle school, and I would have been way above what I needed to be when I got to college.

Zeke: Yeah, definitely. I work with people like middle school and up I ain’t trying to work with no babies that change the diapers like nah.

Gemise: Behind the parents. Yeah, I don’t I don’t see you doing that. I feel like high school would be very good.

Zeke: Yeah, we have conversations. And we’re there developed enough that they can think and respond. Cool. They can respond.

Gemise: Yeah, exactly. Because you you can’t you can’t get a four year old to respond to a very intellectual question. Sometimes. It’s like, what? Yeah, this is the way

Zeke: Like you’re right. My fault. I made a mistake.

Gemise: It’s like, after that you’re like, you know what? Yep. That was all that was all on me. Like, I just didn’t know how to ask that question to you. That was Yep. Nevermind, don’t answer. It’s fine.

Zeke: Walk away. Just aight scratch that off the notepad.

Gemise: This is not the right question that I’m supposed to be asking me to do today. But okay, we’ll get back to it another day. You know, maybe I’ll just have to think about it.

Zeke: Start asking them about quantum physics and just like, like, what are my thoughts?

Gemise: Listen, you talking about physics? All I’m thinking about is, I was like, I think they have this toy in the classroom where it’s like friction. And I was like, we’re teaching pre k children about friction. I was like, What is the kid friendly definition of friction? I was like, I’m sitting down like, oh, like, why do you have all these subjects? helps you move? They’re gonna be like, Okay.

Zeke: Dude, just like, cause friction is the thingy that. Because if you don’t have friction, you can’t push off. Because

Gemise: You see, and you’re trying to explain it. And then I got to teach that to the kids. And I got to make sure I say the right definition, because then they’ll go around. And the next lesson plan that we have, I’m like, so friends, Can you remind me what friction is? And they’re like, the thing that keeps you moving?

Zeke: I think that’s momentum.

Gemise: Exactly right. And then there’ll be like, gotta teach the right thing, right? So it’s like, vocabulary is very important.

Zeke: Yep, that’s okay. My limited words. I know. This is I know, it’s like, the worst multiple syllables either another sentence like, I ain’t gonna use it, no need to it.

Gemise: I think people and people be trying maybe try so hard to use these big words. And I’m like, you don’t have to use the big words. You just keep it simple so that you’re able to express what you need to say. Because once you start talking some sense that you wouldn’t even ever come out of your mouth. Like it just wouldn’t come out of your mouth. Don’t even try it because people aren’t gonna listen to you.

Zeke: You’re just like what? Then the four year old like  what? Your bad.

Gemise: Yeah, they listen, you can’t give them like huge words. That’s why there’s like tiers. You got to start with, you know, tier one and work your way up to tier two. And you know, if they if they ready for tier three, they can get to it.

Zeke: So they still have naps in pre K.

Gemise: Naps?

Zeke: Nap nap nap time.

Gemise: Yeah, yeah, they have nap time. I think that’s the best part of the day. To be honest, if you ask me. That’s like my time to like, decompress. It’s like after a long day, y’all just put me through yellow finally sleeping. Um, unfortunately, I know my program won’t have any nuts since you know Coronavirus and normally trying to send the kids home earlier. So I’m like, that’ll, I mean, it makes the day a little shorter, I guess. But, you know, it was nice for them to have that nap because they knew like some kids just get tired. And they’re gone. I think for me as a child. That was the best part of the day like you couldn’t tell mean nothing.

Zeke: Yeah I don’t I never napped so.

Gemise: Oh, really?

Zeke: Yeah.

Gemise: I’ll tell you where the kids staying up that’s when it becomes terrible you get the child that does not want to sleep.

Zeke: But did I did nap in college.

Gemise: Of course we did. Listen countless time that college is literally the It will literally let you know like you’ve never slept before in your life like this. This this is the real this is the real you thought you. You thought you were sleeping back then you thought you was tired back then not doing it yet.

Zeke: For sleep in the morning classes, afternoon classes, late classes didn’t matter. Starting sophomore year just nap like a second wake up refresh to answer some questions.

Gemise: Listen, I can’t even between that. And like, I can’t even do any all nighters anymore. Like you can ask me to stay up till three o’clock to do anything. It just don’t work.

Zeke: Yeah. So yeah. Talking to Quinn about being a teacher just like, I have all this experience. Tutoring mentoring.

Gemise: I think you should do it. I don’t see why what subject would you want to teach though?

Zeke: My best to um math and science, then history. Don’t ever give me um English class, I will fail all the children in life.

Gemise: At least you know that like, you know that that’s a weakness. So it’s like, you could tell someone like, please just don’t put me in this right now. Like, you know,

Zeke: You want the kids to learn?

Gemise: Or do you? Or do you want them to fail? But I feel like I feel like you’d be fine. I don’t see why not. I definitely see like the math and science.

Zeke: Because I’m, that’s one of the things I’m good at. And I’m getting better at knowing of teaching it. Mm hmm.

Gemise: I feel like you should go for it. I don’t see why not convinced me. America has really easily just just swoop you away in like, Hey, I mean, quitting my high school. I mean, no, he got Middle School. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I’m going to school. I think he wanted it anyway.

Zeke: I will want high school and middle school. I need to speak to this. People need to have a level of cognitive and

Gemise: Cognitive understanding and cognitive level to understand what I’m talking to them about.

Zeke: Yes.

Gemise: Yeah. I mean, I haven’t gotten done. You know, I’m just, it’s just more simple. Yeah, just it’s all the same thing is a symbol of urgent. Yeah.

Zeke: Because with math once you had the basics of adding, subtracting multiplication, and division after that, it’s the same thing. There’s new situations.

Gemise: You talking about math right now? I’m like, I haven’t taught math. Like I teach the kids their numbers, but like, I don’t have to teach them like, you know, addition and subtraction right now. And I’m, like, always think I’m like, after this like, I mean, I could do kindergarten and I’m like, Lord, I’m like, I don’t even know what they’re teaching kindergarten children anymore. I’m like, I was looking at like, my nieces stuff and all like, I think it was my, my nephew. They were teaching him what what do you call that? The Bibliography the oh my gosh, why am I forgetting it? Is like at the end when you’re like putting all your resources. The word is not popping up in my head right now. We are gonna see references. Yeah, that’s what it is. But yeah, and I was like, why are they teaching you this? I’m like, I didn’t learn it. So college. I was like, This is outrageous. Like, what sources are they putting? Like, what do you what do you what are they writing? They don’t even know what what the link even me they don’t know what a link is. They just know that this is the website I’m on. They don’t even know that. I’m just like, y’all have lost your mind when you’re teaching these kids nowadays. And now with the like Coronavirus now you’re teaching them how to use technology and how to get on zoom. And it’s like, well, yeah, that’s beautiful red button you see there? Yes, just click it and you’ll leave.

Zeke: Like leave. I remember the total script for no reason at all.

Gemise: Oh, my script is so ugly. I don’t even know why they decided

Zeke: I had the to make it unrecognizable so nobody can copy it.

Gemise: So it’s like chicken scratch.

Zeke: Oh yeah, I had to just change it up.

Gemise: Nope. Yeah, I don’t even know why and but I feel like they only taught that one in like Elementary School. Yeah, just let you be.

Zeke: [inaudible]

Gemise: They were like yeah, this they probably knew what was the most biggest failed attempt of their life to implement a script curriculum into the program like for what can you write print if you can write print That’s all you need to know.

Zeke: You teacher Oh, look into it.

Gemise: Looking into it, like, you should just I mean, you got you got years and years on it, you might as well do something.

Zeke: It seems like life was like, Hey, you want to do other things but I was like what’s with it seems like life

Gemise: I mean, look, listen, maybe maybe look at the school system in the next year. Let’s let’s see what changes they make. Hopefully they make some and then I feel like you’ll be fine. You know, find the right school and program that you want to get into and like things will go the way you need them to go. See some of the math and the science but All right, cool. This is the Pythagorean Theorem. This is you hit you did hurt my head right now. But you can keep going literally I like that tension in my forehead. I was like, Oh, no, I dagen theorem. You know, the last time I’ve done that, man, I can’t remember.

Zeke: Me with the years of all this experience level use it.

Gemise: I don’t see why not get a few years of school and keep it pushing.

Zeke: Keep this podcast, on the side. Teacher long number one, day one. I failed.

Gemise: Your first day won’t be a fail. It’ll be it’ll be a reality check. But it won’t be a fail, you know.

Zeke: But anyway, so your names what yall like, what kinda of music yall like, tv shows do yall be watching.

Gemise: It and I feel like that’s another thing. Like I think Quinn does this a lot. Like he’ll talk to them about like the shows they watch and stuff of that nature. And and like, sorry, he’s like talking to me. And he’ll like, teach them like the shows and stuff and like he’ll talk to them about like, what’s going on in the world. It’s like, I wish I could talk to my kids about playing a video game. Like I was like, I wish I could be like yeah, let’s talk about Call of Duty and I can’t do that because then they’re gonna like now Miss Jimmy’s is promoting violence and I’m like, No, I’m just I just want to know what video games they play and like an obviously like I can use fortnight but it’s like, I can’t be sitting there talking about Yeah, you know when like, you shoot you just shoot people and you kind of like just need to get through the game. I can’t do it. So it’s like what can I really use and like what context Can I speak it in? That’s about the building. They build the hotels and everything. Listen, listen. Oh, I don’t use the building aspect on fortnight. I’m a call of duty person. I don’t know why they decided it’s like that’s the block. No, you don’t need to block nothing. You need to just move your body and shoot if you cannot shoot and you die first. That was on you.

Zeke: I was like why do the I was like why you building a five star hotel mad work.

Gemise: To reach the ceiling in the sky like nobody wants to be climbing the stairs just to get to where you are.

Zeke: Yeah, because I remember I saw the summer we’re gonna brew not this past summer, not the one just as another one. And also the one that shows up by anime because it’s a question of like, how can they get to him? They see like the enemy. I’ll say I got bullied for anime so you can like anime and not get bullied for it. So I made a connection.

Gemise: You see I mean do they still I don’t think they really bully people anymore. Yeah, so be the saddest part because it’s like you have people from way back this experience that that this straw in that like you know stuff going on because it wasn’t cool. Or it was you were this or you were in?

Zeke: Yeah, everybody watched anime at the same time? Whatever.

Gemise: Yeah, no. How are they trying to get me on today? I think I was watching I can’t remember. That was that was very sad. That was real sad. Is this the book one What book? Is it the death? No. Yeah, he was making me watch Death Note, I didn’t finish it. What episode was way in I was way in like I was completely in episode so and the seasons, but I can’t remember like where I left off there was that it was real good.

Zeke: Yeah, well see the second episode. I was like, Oh my god, I love this show.

Gemise: I think he was trying to get me to watch another enemy. But he told me I told him to wait until I get free and then stress came on and then nothing happened. So I’m like, let’s see what he advises me to watch. Let’s see.

Zeke: What would be a good anime to watch?

Gemise: For starters, for starters, you know, like people like me that don’t really interact with that environment yet,

Zeke: Because it depends. I like action ones. Like Dragonball Z he were it’s a bunch of fighting plot because this Death Note is definitely smart, methodical thinking.

Gemise: If you think of something that’s similar to Death Note, what would be similar to Death Note,

Zeke: People always say Code Geass. I haven’t watched it personally yet, but that’s to always say like, it’s something like that.

Gemise: Okay.

Zeke: And then

Gemise: I asked him about and see what he says.

Zeke: I just finished 91 days which is only 13 episodes? That’s a mafia one. old, school.

Gemise: Okay. That might be interesting.

Zeke: It was more of like a drama here.

Gemise: Yeah, yeah, I’m all in for the drama. I like all the nonsense going on in your life.

Zeke: Black Lagoon  cool. It’s like, action, episodic type of anime. Like, each episodes, has it’s on story. It’s all

Gemise: Oh okay,

Zeke: Some episodes connect to each other.

Gemise: I see. That probably won’t be too bad. I’m gonna see I’m trying. I’m gonna see what it how I feel about it.

Zeke: And then you have like the um. Hamed is going to show you a lot of Shōnens. And that’s not only the company that’s more like the age group like teens.

Gemise: Mm hmm.

Zeke: And then the Shojo like teen girls Shōnen like teen boys Shojo’s the teen girls.

Gemise: Oh, okay.

Zeke: And they have like adult. They have young adults forget that other one in young adult males, young adult females. Like the four main categories.

Gemise: Yeah, that’s just outrageous. There’s so much it’s just so much.

Zeke: It’s the same thing as like American cartoons. They have like chosen cartoons or they have teen cartoons, and have adult.

Gemise: Yeah, yeah, we know the adult party. And I mean, are they really children’s cartoons because it sounds like they teaching these kids and stuff that we wasn’t really catching on to.

Zeke: You find it was saying it but then as adults was like, what he was talking about.

Gemise: Like, you see what they teaching our children right now.

Zeke: Like, we had a worse and then before that they have a worse. Like Tom and Jerry.

Gemise: That that shows just I feel like when you watch shows as adults, you just hear the like, the you hear the adults in their voices. And it’s like, you were trying you’re just trying to be a child, but not really because you really still want to be an adult. So you say some real nasty things.

Zeke: Just like, yea, teaching.

Gemise: I think you should go for it. I mean, listen, people told me countless years that I should be doing that and I was telling them No, now look at me.

Zeke: What can we do about it? Oh no. What are my strengths? Interpersonal skills? I think that’s terrible presentation skills, great interpersonal skills.

Gemise: Which is good. I mean, you work on certain stuff. You know what I mean? Like I think people expect you to be so ready and just having the skill so like, profound but this like it just it just goes like I’m good at public speaking but like my first lesson teaching these kids you think I was sitting there I probably was talking like some mouse because I didn’t know what the heck I was supposed to be teaching you it’s like like it just happens.

Zeke: Yea Quinn was like they love that you have a podcast like if they can find it.

Gemise: Yeah, he said I think they would think that’s so cool. Like that would be something that like you could even bond with them with their like no probably create a funny nickname or something

Zeke: Up like if you find it, we could talk about it. That happened with a Sunday, one of my students found the podcast I was like, Oh my God, this girl’s like, Oh my God. You didn’t want to tell them about it. I mean, I was working so I was full focus on like the work. But get into the understand how to write essay.

Gemise: You know how to do that you should have been like you figure out how to write this essay. I’ll tell you what the podcast is. Every time you do something, right, I’ll give you a little bit more piece of information to help you find out what you need what you want to know.

Zeke: Or be like, like focus on the work and everything else comes later.

Gemise: And look at that, like you already got it down pat, you see that that’s the that’s the that’s the like, the boundary that you’re setting. You’re like listen, get through the real deal first and then I can we can have that conversation later. Which is what you need to do because some people be playing around with these kids and then they don’t know nothing. And then they go into college and they don’t know nothing. They have to juggle with Let’s talk about your personal life track a little bit like I was there when the book was written. I know all the tricks. Like you can’t you can’t play me sorry to inform you, you just you just can’t play me.

Zeke: I know all the tricks. I know the Apple Watch does Samsung watch I know everything. school when it was there. And about the water bottles and about

Gemise: All the tea and techniques, I know it don’t play me.

Zeke: Like I think if they get past all of that they deserve a grade at that point. They did well, they should be the CIA’s sample. If you get caught, you should stop cheating, because you know, you’re bad at it.

Gemise: People were really cheating back then makes the large. Final like little loophole

Zeke: Oh online classes. That’s beautiful. There’s no such thing as cheating.

Gemise: Quizlet

Zeke: Check. [inaudible] check.

Gemise: Oh my gosh, is like they just they was just he said online. There’s no such thing as cheating.

Zeke: I mean

Gemise: You’re probably right about that.

Zeke: Granted, if they make it like you can’t get off the web browser, or log you out? Yeah, I have another laptop

Gemise: That you think we don’t know how to work the system. If we want to get what we want to get, we’re gonna get it.

Zeke: I have a computer and they have like four laptops in my name? Try me.

Gemise: Mmhmm. You don’t know how much how much tech I got in my house to make me get through this class.

Zeke: Teacher, I’m looking to it. I have the application at the websites of Teach for America Teaching Fellows. And when I see teaching camps collective, something like that.

Gemise: I don’t know too many people in Teaching Fellows. I know. Whitney went through Teaching Fellows. I don’t I haven’t spoke to her in a minute to see what it like how it was how the experience was. But you know, I think they’re all kind of similar.

Zeke: What one program is the same as the other program,

Gemise: We just trying to get our foot through the door.

Zeke: Thinking about trying to do.

Gemise: It ain’t to. Let me not lie to you. Why me not because I’m

Zeke: Writing.

Gemise: You would you know what I am? To be honest with you like with Teach for America, they both relate. So it’s like it’s not too much writing, like, everything you do is literally aligned to what you’re teaching. So it’s like, you could be if you’re writing a lesson plan, like that could be a midterm or final like, I’ve literally have not written pages and pages of stuff. Like I think the most pages that I’ve written and like literally, like from the top to the bottom was like four pages. Like it’s just mainly, it’s just, it’s just a stretch. This comes from you doing the stuff to make you a better teacher. So it’s like they’re asking you and they’re asking you a thing that are requiring you to just to push yourself to be that better teacher. And it’s like sometimes it can be frustrating. Like, why are you asking me what I’m doing in my classroom to build community? I’m like, oh, like, Okay, let me tell you. What, exactly. Like, what like, what are you like, what needs like, what, what engagement strategy are you using? So it’s like, it’s all aligned. And like, I think that’s what I like about relief. Is that like, it’s not like a bunch of papers and you trying to figure this out and like read this textbook and do this and do that. It’s like, it’s embedded in what you’re doing. Okay, I think it depends. And it’s been two years. I mean, I still have this year that I’m trying to get through. It already. Looks like it’s going to be a headache, but I got to get up out of here.

Zeke: I need a break from school just completely I had my year off.

Gemise: It’s only been a year. Yeah. Yeah, that’s that’s crazy. I don’t even realize that. That’s wild.Time be flying.

Zeke: We getting old, we the old people.

Gemise: Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. That’s happening having found I still haven’t found one. Okay. I don’t want to wish that I had this is we’re not getting old. We’re still pretty young. Oh, yeah. We hit we hit Like, I think when we start to hit like 35 40 we’re going to start feeling there.

Zeke: They’ll be like, I got to my colon real quick. Check my own. See what’s wrong.

Gemise: Check the five arthritis from from writing and all this other stuff,

Zeke: Playing video games like,

Gemise: Exactly right? Like, I spend my life doing this so much. Am I good?

Zeke: Yeah, people always keep bringing me on to do mentoring and stuff like that. So, see, like life is like, hey,

Gemise: That’s also a good, um, a good path as well. Like I was telling him that I’m like that I would love to do mentoring. I’m like, I always loved it. Like I feel like, especially with like getting into the community, the same community that you like came from like, just teaching the kids which you know, is just so much better. It’s like, because they need someone like I didn’t have a mentor. I’m like, in like, you look at people in your community, you’re like, well, they’re not doing what I wanted to do. Like, your neighbor might not have went to college or like things of that nature. So it’s like to have that people those type of people in your space is so important.

Zeke: Yeah, well my style claim pretty much you know my style laid back more. Come to me I’ll tell you who knows the answer because I ain’t got all the answers. And have a personal relationship with them like hey, it’s my mentie talk to them.

Gemise: You. You like you’re like the it’s the link bridge?

Zeke: Yeah, I’m the guy. bridging the gaps. Oh my gosh. I mean, if I knew somebody would be teachable, they are the one my teachers Oh the Hey, there’s somebody would be a teacher. He talked to them.

Gemise: It’s like you’re like, you’re the bridge of the network. Like if you need to get to someone like Zeke knows them. Yeah.

Zeke: But I still know they

Gemise: want mentorship in a way.

Zeke: Yes. I only hear you out now. But I know somebody can help you better. And then I believe that really? We did our best in that work. And then they get better speaking to people. Aight cool.

Gemise: Listen, just go for a teaching go for mentoring. Just shoot your shot and

Zeke: It’s been a hour nice.

Gemise: Yes. He said nice,

Zeke: Nah it’ going to be funny episode mfive I shouldn’t be a teacher episode Six might become a teacher.

Gemise: It’s your your progress your process, like wanting really, really deciding on what if you want to do this work? Right? Yeah. I mean, like, I feel like it’s fine. It’s just the school system. Like, you go and get frustrated. And I may even be the kids.

Zeke: Maybe the best part, but oh my god fresh perspective.

Gemise: Mm hmm.

Zeke: And I learned things from them. They’ve learned things for me.

Gemise: One other important pack. Like you know, it’s this circle of learning like it’s not only the kids learning like you’re learning to.

Zeke: I didn’t. I didn’t know that. There’s like a new perspective. Yeah, add it to the repertoire.

Gemise: Of all the foolishness going on in life.

Zeke: To be called Mr. Williams That’s weird.

Gemise: Why would anyone call you Mr. Will?

Zeke: Mr. w?

Gemise: Okay. Sound like a gym teacher. But we’ll let you know they like to keep the one letter.

Zeke: Yeah. All my gym teachers have like one letter.

Gemise: Like Mr. T. Or I’m just like, Man, what? What’s your name?

Zeke: I had Mr. O, Mr. T two Mr. B’s.

Gemise: That must be a thing. I’m curious.

Zeke: To hold you to like why I only have one letter. Now just to make it simpler.

Gemise: Pretty much probably. So they call you Miss Jones? Wait no, they call me Ms. Gemise. Yeah. And pre k they call you by your first name. When you get past that point. They’re allowed to call you by your first your last name. I probably would not want them to be calling me Miss Jones. actually like to message me better. Because they can some of them majority of them can pronounce it. I’ve been called Miss Naomi’s

Zeke: Trying to learn a lot. They’ve learned anything they will so the old name yet to get in there.

Gemise: Right? And I’m like, but it’s so adorable. Like I don’t I don’t even be mad at it. I’m just like, as long as you as long as I know you’re calling me because I need to know that you need me in a way. But that’s about it.

Zeke: As long as you make a sound that I can recognize.

Gemise: If I made that move. You got it, you got it just keep it pushing.

Zeke: Well, different thing, the high school is that loosely each elementary chain of test, and then how you can mix that with teaching them. So like teaching, this would be the hard part.

Gemise: I mean, and I think that’s what they discuss and like when you become a teacher is like, probably Quinn probably knows much more about this. But like the simple fact that like there’s a lot of teachers just teaching children to get through the regents or like to get through this test. And it’s like, how about you focus on teaching them the basic things that they’re going to leave in order for them to pass that test? It’s like you’re not teaching them to the test. You’re trying to teach them so that they have the, you know, the basic understanding and knowledge. I mean, yeah, they have to pass the test. But what if, what if you don’t have enough time to teach them one section of regents and it’s like, they’re not now they’re gonna fail. That’s already like 20 points away from all types of life.

Zeke: That’s something I had to think about making the listing plan, how can life just test it.

Gemise: It’s difficult, trust me. I mean, I’m so I’ll be in I’ll be at work next week. And I’m just, I’m gonna sit there and try to figure out like, I’m going to teach them about their culture and stuff like that, you know, it’s it’s a lot that comes into it. With such a short amount of the day schedule.

Zeke: I don’t know what’s going to happen. Culture, like I’m American, I’ll have the culture.

Gemise: You want me to tell the child that?

Zeke: I’ll be the child like, I don’t know. Anybody here. Who America.

Gemise: Yeah, you You want me to I know what you want me to teach them. You want me to teach them they are brought over here. their ancestors are brought over here. And we don’t have no type of culture. If you’d be if we’re being quite frank, if you want to be honest with the displaced children of the world. I can’t tell them that. That’s heartening. It just sounds so disheartening. Like could you if you were displaced? Okay, you don’t belong here. I mean, it’s the reality but you know, let me let me think of a kid friendly way to say that and I’ll get back to you

Zeke: Let’s see what happened was people who like you were hadl my book by right

Gemise: Hmm.

Zeke: The force to go on know your mom tell you to do something you say no. Then she make you do it.

Gemise: Mm hmm. See you already there Yeah. Something like that. That sounds that sounds like they should be able to internalize that and take that with them when they go home.

Zeke: And then the parents like you tell them about slavery like?

Gemise: Yep, and then I got to get a text message and a phone call and all these other things about why are you teaching my child this and I’m be like, it’s important for them. It better for them to know and now than later because then they’ll be going into these schools and they’ll just be teaching them all this white colonial type things going on right? Sitting on teaching them the textbook about how Christopher Columbus found America Come on now. Like come on now. Ridiculous that’s what that is.

Zeke: There was a committee who was like how parents say he saw parents call on the weekdays like your child being bad. Like the parents don’t call the teacher in the weekend like you’re student being bad.

Gemise: Exactly. Listen, I have boundaries. Do not text me or call me on the weekend.

Zeke: This is my time away from everybody.

Gemise: Listen, Fridays is a running home day.

Zeke: Like this next episode, I put in the application for Teach For America right? So we been waiting and we waiting.

Gemise: That should be bought in the next episode. But in the application for Teach for America and be like yeah, so now it’s just the conversation of like, Did I make the right decision?

Zeke: And then this is season three like season it’s just like a year for the whole process. Teach for America.

Gemise: Yeah. So if you do it now you’ll be in the next year.

Zeke: So be like, season six be like alright, cool. So first day teaching is no joke. These children I think I can get better commanded respect, like like are more like feeling filling it out. Very cool. And this is like cuz children are very smart and they understand go figure a pattern like after the second day. They pretty much on it. Yeah.

Gemise: So whenever I don’t have to be demanded,

Zeke: Yeah. Because I’m not sure not that demanding.

Gemise: Yeah, it’s not listen, they will follow you as long as it feels like you’re making sense. Like, you don’t have to be sitting there telling them to do this and that light is on you could be chill with them. And they know if they know the type of teacher you are like, they know when you can be serious and when you can be playful. The pattern will just flow and then you won’t have to demand anything of them like people would be trying to assert their power like that. We are not the police force. We are we’re not trying to be doing that we want them we want to work with them, not against them.

Zeke: I’ll be like, some students ask me about like, taking care of other people kids. I didn’t since I was assistant and put myself like on leader. But then I became the leader. Like, I got the respect they listen to me. Yeah. I’ll talk to this be calm, cool collected. How much time we got? You said how much time I got?  Yeah. Got anything else to do today or, no?

Gemise: No, that’s pretty much it. I mean, I’ve just been chilling. You know, I’m trying to enjoy the rest of my vacation. Go on a hazmat suit.

Zeke: Like alright kids we gonna learn about how not to switch mask.

Gemise: Person already. I see the swingin I see the I see all types of stuff going on in my head right now.

Zeke: This is like Ah,

Gemise: I’m keeping my distance. Listen. You pick your nose. Please stay over there in that corner. Don’t touch me. Did you? Did you cough

Zeke: A little differently?

Gemise: Like wait a minute. Wait, wait. Yep. You got to get out. Nope. Make them leave it sounds to dry.

Zeke: Like that cough was suspect that sneeze. Could be allergies.

Gemise: Nope, don’t sound like it.

Zeke: I have allergies or something like that.

Gemise: Listen, I’m just hoping I don’t want to get sick and I want nobody else to get sick so. I don’t know how this thing is going to go.

Zeke: Can the students see where your mind when you’re panicking. Because that’s the only thing people can see in my mind when I’m panicking because I don’t know what’s going on.

Gemise: No no kids just feel you know your body language and your you know, the tone in your voice. Like they if you sound like you’re panicking they’re gonna be like, oh snap like this is Ms. Gemise is for real. Like, this is this is scary. Like especially if you think about it, like when the fire alarm when we do our little fire drills and stuff. They start panicking it’s like well, I’m trying to make you calm. I’m not I’m not all amped up. But like the minute you tell them like oh, okay, let’s go let’s line up they’re like they’re like all amped up and like things of that nature. So it’s like they just they just they feed off your energy so if you make it scared they’re gonna feel like they’re being scared.

Zeke: Yeah, cuz this summer up I have I have a plan for the day and then they will need extra help or something else. I’m like well, my plan is out the window, something new. Okay, cool. Let me do this on the spot. Exactly. And then they will let you know what they like and what they don’t like. It sounds like let’s keep this keep doing this this helped us out a lot.

Gemise: Mm hmm.

Zeke: To the point a student was like I thought you did this for free I was like for free I’m not that good of a person.

Gemise: I’m not that genuine let’s hold off there Okay.

Zeke: Well Louise I did a good job thing because then there was like all this I really put my heart into I guess. Yeah. Somebody I think you did this free thinking to highly of me.

Gemise: Sorry to inform you.

Zeke: I’m a need you to take that down.

Gemise: Some people wouldn’t do it like if you I guess if you weren’t getting paid to do such thing I mean

Zeke: Maybe.

Gemise: Yeah maybe dependent on who cuz listen this is this what you’re doing is you need to be paid you your time I’m sorry.

Zeke: Yeah yeah, though somebody else’s emotions complexities inside. Okay. You gotta be that leader the entire time

Gemise: Was we in the real world. We need money to get through life. not keeping these lights on these bills, it pays All right, you want to see if you see me hitting bills? Exactly. If there weren’t bills, we’d be fine. We I would do anything for free.

Zeke: What would be the customer money?

Gemise: Nobody would monitor throw it out the window anyway. We don’t need to know.

Zeke: The fighting passion. Keep doing it.

Gemise: Exactly.

Zeke: And then become a boss. Episode seven I applied for all the program levels. So I get my lesson plan ready? Well, be in that part of the movie start practicing.

Gemise: I have faith, I see it. I already see it happening. I feel like you’ll be fine. Because like you already have the background. So like, it’s good to go. Like, you know what, we need more black male educators. So please, please just just push through this. There’s not enough. It’s It’s literally not enough. It’s not enough. I promise you that.

Zeke: And I did get mentor of the year sophomore year.

Gemise: Oh, you want to have that conversation?

Zeke: I do a lot of work. Right. I had menties

Gemise: You was laid back. You sent Your students to the connections.

Zeke: Yes, yeah. I need to I can’t give the wrong answer.

Gemise: You right, you know what? And you know, that’s a lot of transparency right there. You’re basically telling them Look, I don’t have the answer, but I can connect you with someone who does have the answers. And that helped out I guess, I guess it works.

Zeke: This is a different style. The help that one of my mentees they got the confidence up. They helped me out with that History Month. The leader. Oh, okay. Well, there was some designs. So see the episode nine be like again, my name. Besides my name what kind of teacher I’m going to be? Episode 10 be like, so this will be my outfit with a polo shirt have to dress business casual . You probably have to khaki, then you have the Jordans. Yeah, let’s just know that they can’t stunt you.

Gemise: So they know they can’t stunt on you. Um, we know they’ll be sitting there like, Oh, look at Mrs. W came in here with Jordan’s out. Okay.

Zeke: Lack, okay, I have a new pair of Jordans every day. To have this one every day can’t just be some out get some No,

Gemise: That’s gonna be that’s gonna be the top of the whole classroom.

Zeke: So it was the first time I helped with Baruch Leadership Academy my students where like when I was wearing different sneakers every day I will as I did that. This told me I was like a word.

Gemise: I think that’s why I’d be happy. The kids don’t care about what I’m wearing. I’m just like, I could come in there looking crazy. And they wouldn’t even acknowledge the situation unless I look like really really crazy. And they’re like Ms.Gemise you just don’t look like the way you look last week. Like you know what, you you’re right.

Zeke: At Least the’re concern for your well being. Or, their well being See if I’m okay, first. If my teacher is not okay. That we’re no okay.

Gemise: We definitely not.

Zeke: And then another secret way another way. To the math equations are cool. So yeah, they talk about see how like calculus and Baruch they made like the business part.

Gemise: You already got my head hurting but keep going.

Zeke: And then we like I cool. So you see the Jordans? Because I see some visa, right? Uh huh. But all retail was like 180 or 200. So to watch the market price and see the percentage. Mm hmm. I think it’ll be engagement with like, oh, like see, we should have I think there’s a resale it’s not worth it.

Gemise: Go have them out. They’re all buying Jordans.

Zeke: This so glad I can make money off of this. And then.

Gemise: Exactly then that’ll be that’ll be another. It’ll be like YouTube. That’s another thing going on in the world.

Zeke: That friendships do a lot of resell. Writing with all that mad work

Gemise: Jordans be coming out with the same thing every year. Like I know I’m just over it

Zeke: I mean yeah

Gemise: We gotta we gotta do better just make our own businesses

Zeke: Yeah stunt on the kids though, yeah make sure they know the hierarchy. I can dress a little bit they got nothing to do today badly now let you know I got the kicks.

Gemise: He’s like my top and my bottoms might not look like it but my footwear is all on game.

Zeke: Day hanging out I like to know. So yeah, middle school high school get the best. Get this job.

Gemise: I don’t think they’ll I think the minute you put you don’t want to do Elementary, I think you’ll be fine.

Zeke: So I’m like, No, that’s who y’all are the presence of like, they talk a lot.

Gemise: Like, no, I just I just need them to have a nice, beautiful long conversation with me. I don’t mean one to two sentences one to two words. I don’t need Yes. I don’t need I good. I don’t need I need I need a very long paragraphs to come out of their mouth.

Zeke: That’s just my younger cousins. Because I’m just like, I realize how I’m used to talking to people my age. You just like, Oh, wait, the young. Like this just smart. Okay, yo.

Gemise: Yeah, it’s really I mean, I can’t, you know, have that like long intellectual conversation with them. It’s but I can have a conversation with them. It just won’t be. It might not come off as well. You can’t do it with all of them. Yeah. And it won’t come off as like this long and like, very profound, like they’re giving me advice and you know, things of that nature. Like, you just learn about the kids a little bit more when you have certain conversations.

Zeke: Like, ah, the more doesn’t matter what age you’re gonna pull it out a little bit like, Who are you? Yeah. What do you mean? So yeah, next episode eight foot application. episode, I got my the recommendations is to have the right.

Gemise: Yeah. It might have been three. I can’t remember. I was so glad I got it. Because I’m like, what you’re gonna do after you get out of college. I’m like, I have no idea.

Zeke: I was in the same boat. I’m in the same boat.

Gemise: But at least you’re still like, working like imagine if you just had nothing to fall back on. Like,

Zeke: Whoo, I get my bike fixed so I can do doordash. Uber eats

Gemise: After you’ve received a bachelor’s degree, come on, you can’t be doing that.

Zeke: It’s called investing into the podcast. The podcast is blows up.

Gemise: Then that’s it. It’s the hustle. I hear you.

Zeke: Discuss a lot on everything I’m doing right now to some long term plan just like any miracles.

Gemise: They’ll come. They’ll come in due time. As long as you put the work in.

Zeke: Put the website will work just fine. The website is done finally.

Gemise: Yeah. So I’m like, like, that’s nice.

Zeke: Oh, no, thank you. Oh, hopefully it makes sense. Like all the function of it, because I was confused that people understand what I was thinking.

Gemise: Know and look like. I mean, I was able to, like navigate it and stuff. So I’m like, I was in like, pressed by it. I was like, I think the fact that you even made that on your own like, I don’t think people understand

Zeke: I did get a b minus in that programming class. The partner, our partner, we actually pair up. So I thought the guy in the class he was gonna programming. I’m gonna design this together. You have a website.

Gemise: Listen, knowing me looking at all the numbers and symbols and things of that nature.

Zeke: Who, like me, I don’t understand why half of it does. I know it’s important. Just leave it alone.

Gemise: Don’t touch it. included. Don’t touch it.

Zeke: Yeah. The app and then this PDF. So the people who were actually how to plug that back into English. See, I can see you can speak English. Once you actually have the podcast, I’d like to read this book I’ve been

Gemise: Listen, I’m all for you making a book at this point. You better put the book out there. Figure. Listen. Give the tools to success.

Zeke: The only hard part if it’s like I could put it on Amazon for free is that I’m planning to make a publishing company, but then I don’t have money for that. Yeah, LLC  not trying to pay taxes.

Gemise: I see you you trying to. Okay, I see what you’re trying to do out here.

Zeke: Let me because if you get it Well, most people are doing now is getting on Amazon, they get Amazon bestseller. And then they’re all making their stuff exclusive on their website. Okay, so that’s actually coming straight from okay. Because I mean,

Gemise: That makes more senses.

Zeke: And then they use Amazon bestseller as like their own. Like the blue check.

Gemise: Oh, okay. I know we talked about Yeah,

Zeke: The people that Oh, your Amazon bestseller or like a, like a New York Times bestseller?

Gemise: Yeah. Okay. That’s not I mean, listen, you go for it. I think people gonna buy it.

Zeke: But I’m looking at it as a PDF right now trying to figure out what to do with money. I don’t have.

Gemise: Money I don’t have it’ll come you just gotta you got to trust the process.

Zeke: I was the transition for teaching in person to like, okay, now be online. Everybody is freaking out. You very good. Okay. Yeah. That’s position from like, in person to like, everything’s online. Good luck.

Gemise: Oh, for teaching. Yeah. I think that it wasn’t too terrible. I mean, like, that’s right. It was like, hard to think about. It was like, you don’t teach three four year olds online. It’s like already know, they’re gonna be jumping off the walls. And it’s like, I mean, they weren’t doing anything crazy. Like some kids would be walking all around a few times. But they were sitting for the most part. So I wasn’t I had no I think the main issue was that, you know, some parents didn’t have they didn’t have internet, they didn’t have Wi Fi. They didn’t have a tablet or they didn’t have a laptop. Like people weren’t thinking about that. They just assumed these people have money to buy this and buy that and well no, not all of them knew you didn’t even ask them prior to you starting this if they had like the technology that they needed to make this happen and I’m pretty I’m pretty sure they still don’t.

Zeke: Yeah, same thing on CUNY saw there was like, Hey, take a week off and then a couple weeks later took another week off when you get everybody a laptop.

Gemise: What was the point of that? Oh, you you realize that people can’t get on? Oh, okay.

Zeke: Oh, well, I’m lucky but you know. Alright. So if 17 look more than will be done. This was fine. Talking to the old friends. Yeah.

Gemise: It was the only spoke in a very long time.

Zeke: We both busy we love teaching these children’s.

Gemise: And it ain’t easy

Zeke: Now to when they don’t won’t be there and you don’t want to be there. But you have to pretend you want to be there.

Gemise: Well, that was me all year. My one is the breaks coming. Oh, me. Oh, at each break.

Zeke: In high school has less days the elementary. We had to we got to high school.

Gemise: Yeah, that’s also true. Unless you try it you plan to do after you know Summer School, which probably you would agree to that.

Zeke: I mean, I had been asked to do this I have a side hustle.

Gemise: There’s a lot of things better to do. Just gonna throw that out there your relax, get a break.

Zeke: I guess travel for the podcast like I’m on vacation.

Gemise: Exactly. You have time to do your passion, your other passions.

Zeke: It’s funny, they said the email but like a school look for people who want to get a master’s degree. The teaching to choose a high school teacher was okay. That was like a couple months ago. So why I decided to be, a teacher as a progression to the podcast to tell you.

Gemise: Exactly right. But now you know why?

Zeke: Versus even he thought of it seems like a lot of people they go So yeah I’m out of ideas. Do you have any ideas? There’s any questions?

Gemise: No, I mean, idea why this. I feel like you just need to become a teacher. Make it happen. Point Blank period. You know, it’s a very, very difficult thing to do. But I feel like it’s very, you feel the goodness

Zeke: I’m about to be a fun teacher, I ain’t trying to all that grading.

Gemise: Look, listen, I feel like is, whatever kind of teacher you are and make it happen in that space while you’re doing what you’re being asked to do. If you’re doing what you need to do in the classroom. The administration don’t matter. They did not. They are all they are white noise.

Zeke: I have been great since high school help my teacher say aught I’m bored. I payed attention.

Gemise: Yeah, that’s pretty much it.

Zeke: There was some competition mama be happy. Couldn’t you let your teacher and you get your masters?

Gemise: We love to hear people furthering their education, right?

Zeke: I only got my master’s if I had a plan.

Gemise: Exactly where you like they like us doing multiple things at once. so busy,

 Zeke: Like, no, that’s terrible. I need sleep. 

Gemise: Or just time to relax. 

Zeke: Alternatively,

Gemise: It’s also a good thing. I’ve had a lot of time to do nothing.

Zeke: Well, it’s almost two hours. Gonna end the episode. Okay, last question is what will be what would you name your origin story?

Gemise: That’s a good question. I don’t even know like, I feel like it would just be like a mixture of words like trials and tribulations or like pain and pleasure. Like it would have to be something that’s like this defining, like in describing my experience, like it would be deep, it might be a poem. I think that’ll be better if it wasn’t just a series of poems, and it’s just pain and pleasure. I think that will be nice.

Zeke: Nice. That’ll be the end of episode

Gemise: Thanks for having me.

Zeke: No problem. Anytime. That brings another episode of the Let’s Gather Podcast to a close. I would like to thank Gemise for being a guest on the podcast. For next week I have my friend Sam to discuss anime. I hope you continue to have a nice day, and hope to see you there.

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