Let me just preface this post by telling you that after every sentence you should add "And then I walked." Man my feet hurt.
So as some of you know, for the next month of I have signed up to be an RA for the Magnus Midwest Dance Intensive in Flint. I work my normal FIM job during the week but at night I take care of 100 12-22 year olds at the U of M - Flint dorms.
Yesterday was move in day. I spent five hours walking up and down floors the length of two football fields answering questions, reassuring parents, explaining thermostats, etc. After they moved in we walked to the Cultural Center a 1.5 mile round trip (I googled it.) Last night, I fixed wi-fi, unplugged toilets, gave out extra blankets and patiently said no over 50 times. Mostly about things they knew they shouldn't do but just wanted to test the waters. Hey, their parents weren't there. I'll let them get tummy aches from eating too many cookies, but walking the streets of downtown Flint is just too far.
This morning it was showered, dressed and downstairs by 8. Placement classes were today. The students would be placed in three different groups based on their ability. I was warned about temper tantrums, hysterical sobbing, and slammed doors as these best-of-the-best divas found out what happened when all 99 other dancers were the best-of the best too.
The kids did their placements and then we had lunch. It was a lazy day, just hanging out. I would get little visits through out the day and I would laugh at their shenanigans because well they are teenagers and full of shenanigans.
After Dinner, talking with some of the girls about their day and how they were adjusting the elevator doors opened to a mob of students clamoring to see 3 small pieces of paper. Placements. I stood back and watched their faces. Trying to gauge if someone would need a pep talk or hug, and just watching. At first it was hard to see who was placed where. Quick fleeting glances of disappointment, brief moments of excitement. No tantrums, no slammed doors. These young men and women were talking this like champs.
I am sure that tears were shed in private and that moms and dads got triumphant phone calls, but I was really proud of all of their poise today. Now only 27 more days to go...
