Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Utterly Disappointed

I can't decide whether I should be angry at myself for being too trusting and naive, or angry at the person who decided to steal my cell phone out of my purse in my classroom approximately 2 hours ago. Yes, that is correct. Today, during my 8th period class, which by the way is one of my favorites out of the 7, someone stole my cell phone from my purse. If you have never experienced theft first-hand, then it is hard to comprehend the feeling you get, knowing someone has gone through your personal belongings and taken something that was yours. Richard called my phone so it was beeping in class to tell me I had a missed call. So, I got my purse out, turned the phone off and put it back in the pocket. I entered grades on my computer and did several other things, but my purse was right next to me the whole time. This person had the audacity to get the phone out of my purse while I was sitting right there! I called Richard, upset, and we have been trying to figure out if there is anything I can do. In the meantime, I have had a chance to think about how I feel about this whole situation and here is the sum total: I couldn't care less (okay maybe a little less) about finding my phone; it is insured, it can be replaced. However, I feel so utterly betrayed by my students. I have a great relationship with this class and feel like I would have handed any one of them a $100 bill and asked them to deliver it down the hall with no hesitation. Now, I feel betrayed and very disappointed. I don't even know what to say when I see them again Monday. Yes, I think the thief should be punished, but more than that, I want to know who exactly I am so disgusted with and disappointed in. Am I just too naive? I don't know how I could have been more careful except to keep my purse under lock and key. But come on...this is Childress, Texas, not Dallas or Los Angeles. I have begun a house-to-house calling frenzy, hoping to speak to mostly parents, but maybe a student who has enough integrity to tell me anything he/she might know. This is NOT one of the highlights of my teaching career. I have made it four and a half years with not one item (that I am aware of) having been stolen.

OH...and to the thief, should you be reading this: I may never know who you are, but someone does and you know in your heart of hearts what you did was not right. I just hope down the road, you make a different decision.

4 comments:

  1. Charla, that's an awful way to begin the break, but I'm glad that you're calling parents to get them involved in this. Hopefully the thief will realize that stealing the phone was really stupid but that he or she can make amends. I hope you can enjoy your break though after today.

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  2. Any chance you could talk to all the parents first, before the kids? Maybe the parents could check their childrens' bedrooms and backpacks before the theif realizes you're investigating and gets rid of the evidence.

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  3. Charla, I am so sorry you have to have those feelings!! When my JL students took my M&M jar out from under MY NOSE! I felt so betrayed... I sure hope you get your phone back! As my dad says, "Some people are just no damn good."
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. I can come regulate if you need me too - I haven't been able to use my mean teacher face in a long time. You say the word, and I'm on my way.

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