re: #297 ObserverArt

Interesting choice of word.

Underclass.

Bullet Holes.

Hmmm. Chicago.

A number of years ago, as part of a company supported initiative, my department at work adopted an inner city Chicago school. Volunteers provided tutoring, helped the schools improve their facilities by donating surplussed computer equipment, etc.

As part of that effort, we provided a summer internship for one of the students. Rather than a make-work project, we put him to work creating simulations of operator actions for a human factors study.

When the internship was over, I hauled a bunch of equipment to the school to give a demonstration to other students at the school, showing what the intern had done. I noted that he’d learned more in 3 months than most kids learn in a year or two of computer classes at the school. The kid was worked really hard and came through in spectacular fashion.

After the demonstration/talk, I was startled at the number of kids who approached me asking how they could get involved in a similar program. They weren’t put off by knowing they’d have to work hard and show initiative; they just wanted an opportunity.

I wonder how much better off the state would be if only those kids had been given more opportunity and support.

But let’s criticize the teachers who worked under difficult conditions as greedy and selfish. That will fix the state’s problems. Right, Republicans?

Oh and the kid who did the internship? Company offered a scholarship and he eventually ended up with a job there. Last I heard he was doing quite well.