Welcome to My World

I guess I should formally introduce myself to you. I am an educator, and have been for 22 years. Gosh, that seems like such a long time - but it really has gone by quickly. During that time, I have had so many opportunities to meet great people - students and fellow teachers - and have made wonderful - and sometimes funny - memories.

One such memory occurred just today. I was observing a pre-service teacher in a rural school setting near the university where I work. The middle school is rather new and the community is still breaking in the equipment. During the science lab, I was observing the students as they discovered more about acids and bases. Being a science teacher, I knew all of the standard procedures while in a laboratory setting. However, sometimes even teachers make mistakes.

The mentor teacher asked if I wanted to see the bag of sheep eyes that they would be working on later in the week, and I responded with a hearty "yes." I love dissecting, especially the comments and looks from the kids themselves. She placed the rather large bag onto the demonstration table at the front of the room. I couldn't resist touching the bag, lightly squishing the contents. After we talked briefly about the upcoming activity, she removed the bag and placed them back in the cooler.

I continued walking around the room, and forgot a simple rule of thumb: to wash the hands after handling objects. I rubbed my right eye, and immediately began to have a reaction. The lid started to swell and my eye became bloodshot. It was producing large quantities of tears. The mentor teacher and the preservice teacher asked if I should go to the school nurse. I reassured them that I would be fine, and excused myself to the ladies restroom where I washed my eye out with cold water.

Upon returning to the lab, the 6th grade students excitedly asked if I could demonstrate the eye wash station. They had never had a chance to use the equipment and saw this as a golden opportunity. I did not want to be the guinea pig for their pleasure, so I politely declined.

We all chuckled by the episode. I mentioned to the preservice teacher to remind the students what happens when one doesn't follow through with the safety precautions. I think the kids will remember this for several days to come. I know I will...