Thank God for Weird

When I was in the 11th grade, I received a note in the middle of Sociology that I was to report to the vice principal’s office. I had no idea how Mr. Washington even knew who I was and I was even more surprised when he said, “I looked at your transcripts and I was very impressed. You could spend some time outside of class and still do well.” Huh? “We’re understaffed in the cafeteria right now and I was wondering if you could work there during last lunch.” It was too weird for words. I was going to work in the school cafeteria? Why me? Who does this? Whatever my thoughts were, the one thought trumped them all, Why not?

Most days of the week, I would skip fifth period and sell cookies and French fries during last lunch. I did this for a year without ever telling my Mom, she had enough going on. My father had undergone heart surgery over the summer then suffered cardiac arrest in September. My mother’s days were filled with a full-time job and daily trips to George Washington University Hospital.

When I look back at how weird that time was I’m also aware of how good my part-time job was. Mr. Washington couldn’t’ve known I needed a distraction but somehow it worked. I didn’t have the typical high school experience. I didn’t have a lot of friends and the unpredictable nature of my father’s health could make my world feel incredibly unstable. And, oh yes, I thought I was alone. Turns out everyone I interviewed had some kind of struggle in high school reminding me even when you think you’re alone, you’re not.