Written and Edited - April 20th, 2017 - 12:32 pm to 12:57 pm
I was working in a school, primarily with one group of students and a lead teacher. I found myself working somewhat intimately with Mrs. Swain and the students. I got to work with and know Mrs. Swain and some of the students, because of the nature of the class. It was labeled special education for the students. But it was also a special education for me. Because I got a lot out of my experiences with students, teacher, family members, and other colleagues/co workers.
Mrs. Swain and I focused on what we needed to do, and I assisted her flexibly to meet our needs. Our egos didn't get involved or at least seem to distract us. One of the many things that crossed my mind, was that we not only worked well together, but it was also a model, for students and others of a white male assisting a woman of color. The important thing is that people be ourselves and not do things because of or despite social constructs or other reasons.
One of the things that I noticed while working with Mrs. Swain, was that she had a patch of hair sticking up consistently while my hair was all down. I'm not judging. It was just a fact. But one day, I noticed that her patch of hair that was always up, was down and I had a patch of hair sticking up. And I think that my patch of hair stayed up for a while.
I don't know if static electricity and/or other things played a role. But, it feels to me like there was some aspects of intimacy. So, in a way it's a funny experience. But I also think that it might have a deeper meaning.