Interversity.Org

I read the info on the Eng-Teach listserv about kids of poverty and the clientel they become and what happens to what they learn within their own heads.  I thought instantly of the first year of being 'out'.  I took a Class at the University of UMSL in St. Louis.  At that time it was the first month I was 'out'.  School was always an equalizer for me so I took a geology class.  But somehow, someway, nothing made sense to me.  I didn't want to ask questions anymore.  If felt different.  I was afraid.  I didn't want anyone to make friends with me.  I didn't want to have to explain anything.  I didnt' want anyone to feel sorry for me. I was living in the same neighborhood as the rest of the people of poverty because I wanted to walk to school and I wanted to know what the neighborhood was like.  Only now, I wasn't 'Sister' anymore.  It was a very strange new identity I had and I didn't know what it was. That was the first and only year and class in my entire life for which I received a 'D' .  It's what happens when I don't clarify or ask questions, when I try to keep myself to myself.  Intellectual Freedom?  I had none!  I was too scared. Now that I have read the articles on 'children of poverty' and 'the culture of the clientel' we teach, I understand that 'D'.