High schoolers are known for being apathetic and unconcerned in regards to their teachers. They see you, they hear you, but their interest in you dies off there. It is not that they dislike you, it's just that they have much more important things going on in their lives: dating, social ladders, keeping up with their Snapchats, Netflix, and who is driving for off-campus lunch. Teachers and their school work does not even make their top ten list of concerns. This is something you learn not to take personally as a teacher. I come prepared, do my best, and try to make each day fun even if they respond in their most blase blank stares.
But, do you know where apathy finds no home in a high school building....in the Special Education classroom. This past week, I had the opportunity to enter my high school's Special Education classroom to interview a student for some testing. Before entering the classroom I could see a room of ten students that were focused and engaged on their teacher as she pointed to some images on the board. The room was calm and the students seemed tranquil while some had faint smiles on their faces. Not wanting to disturb the calm atmosphere, I slowly cracked the door and inched my way in. My plan was quickly foiled as I heard a voice from the back of the room say, "Woah, you're sooooo beautiful". I smiled at the student and then I immediately heard, "I love your red lipstick". I smiled again and said thank you to their compliments and then I heard from the other side of the room, "I love your long black hair. It reminds me of Wonder Woman". It was quite the spectacle as the room quickly flashed from tranquil to feeling like I had stepped onto a red carpet with my own paparazzi. Ms. Emily, the head Special Education teacher, said, "Class, this is Ms. Montoya. She is here to take one of our friends for testing.". She then went over to the student's desk and told him personally that he would be going with me into the next room to complete an assessment to evaluate the proficiency of his English skills. He stood up, gathered his items, and made his way over to me. As he left his desk, his desk-mate whispered to him, "Man, you're so lucky!". I smiled again and as we left I told the class that it was so nice to meet them and that they made my day. One of the girls in the front row said, "Come back to visit us again!". I made my promise to visit as I took the student for his testing. We went next door and sat down to complete our assessment, but this administration of the test was different from others because this student has limitations in his hearing and seeing capabilities. Therefore, I was much more hands on in the administration; versus, other adminstations when I simply set the student up to test and leave them to complete it autonomously. I worked intimately with the student and ensured that he felt comfortable and able to complete the work to the best of his ability. It was gratifying and it felt as if I was truly serving...and it reminded me of my "why?"...."my purpose". I chose to enter education because I wanted to be of service. I wanted to pass on skills and knowledge that will be useful in the real world. I wanted to empower children to believe in themselves and to trust their own abilities and intuition. It was an honor to serve this student and it was an honor to be in the presence of such sweet and innocent souls. I have always said that those students who are in Special Ed., whether they have down syndrome or autism or some other type of limitation, that they are higher souls. They understand the core meaning of life. They are quick to feel, they are quick to love, and they are joyful even if they are lacking in the accolades and praises of this world. They know that none of that matters. They are relational and they seek love at every opportunity….and that's beautiful and that’s what I aspire to be.
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Angelo's Taverna has been dishing out delicious Italian food and their signature oysters in central Denver for close to fifty years. Luckily, Littleton has experienced an upgrade to their rather bland palate by welcoming Angelo's Taverna into the fold. Angelo's Taverna is located on a beautiful piece of property that feels secluded and romantic. The building itself is simple, yet elegant and it is housed in a 10,000 foot space. There are high ceilings, wood beams, brick walls, unique stone decals, classic stained glass, and candles on each table. It is a great place for a date night, but it also is casual enough where families can feel comfortable bringing their small children. It has accomplished setting the mood for all occasions and to all walks of life. At Angelo's Taverna in Littleton, you can pull up to their round bar to watch Monday Night Football or you can make a reservation to celebrate a special anniversary. The mood was right at Angelo's, but the food was the star of the show. We began our dinner with one of their signature cocktails, "The Italian 75". This is a drink made of "House-made limoncello, Woody Creek Gin, lemon juice, sparkling wine". It came in a martini glass with a maraschino cherry sitting at the pinch of the glass (plus, they leave the stems on so you and your table mate can participate in the age-old challenge of tying a cherry stem with your tongue). The drink was the perfect mix of citrus and sweet; therefore, you should not be surprised that our tab recorded us as both having more than one. During our cocktail hour, we ordered their “Balsamic Glazed Ribs” for an appetizer to share. Angelo’s graciously provided six short ribs that were perfectly tender and glazed without being drowned in too much sauce. The ribs had a crunchy and sweet bark that reminded me of the “world renowned” barbeque that I have had in Texas. To think of it, I think that these ribs were better. Sorry Texas, I think this little Italian joint in Littleton, Colorado does it better. Then came our main course (and another round of drinks). I ordered the “Gorgonzola Steak Fettuccine”. It was a hearty portion of homemade fettuccine noodles that were dressed in buttery cream sauce which was accompanied by mushrooms, red onion, roasted peppers, and arugula. It was flawlessly fatty and filling. We ate dinner slowly, talked about various topics, and appreciated all the different walks and eras of life that were around us. Our waitress was attentive, but not overly vigilant. She was cheery and friendly, but also respected the privacy of each table. Let’s just say she got a big tip from us. We eventually finished up our plates and contemplated dessert even though we were both full. Ultimately, we couldn’t pass up the experience of the “ Caramel Chocolate Brownie”. It was decadent and indulgent…as all desserts should be. Our spoons sang sweet songs as they scraped the bottom of the dessert bowl. I surely would come back to Angelo’s just for this dessert. Angelo’s Taverna in Littleton was appetizing and ambient. The prices were agreeable, especially for the quality of food. It is a great restaurant for any occasion, whether it is to watch sports at the bar or to share a meal with someone you love. Please go and enjoy!
Here is their website and their location.
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AuthorBrianna is a proud native of West Denver and she is an avid admirer of the arts. Her admiration of the arts is centered around her draw toward the beautiful and good of everyday life. Brianna finds beauty in a well-worn book, in the eclectic colors and textures of a thrift store find, and in the sound of a killer guitar solo whether it be live or through a well thought out Spotify playlist. Her passions are varied and many, but they all center on appreciating the fullness of life. Archives
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