In the Navy?

Yesterday I mentioned that last week the continuation high school had its annual Career Fair. I also mentioned that the presentation in the classroom I covered was for a local private college (not one you've ever heard of, I'm sure).

These days are nice for me the sub. I get to sit back and let someone else do all the work. It helps if the students are cooperative (so I don't have to go all discipline-y).

The first three groups were fine. Then the fourth group came in, and I inwardly groaned. Not her!

Some students just can't be quiet and attentive. And this girl... I don't think she has ADD, but she just can't sit still. She's been rude to me on more than one occasion. She talks back. And she's loud.

But we lucked out. She was quiet and attentive to the presenter. The presenter actually wanted some feedback from the audience, and she was good enough to provide it. Things were going pretty well, actually.

As the presenter was talking about his school, he asked the girl her post-graduation plans. She told him she was going to enlist in the Navy.

This is where I fall over in shock.

Even now... I can't picture this girl in the Navy. Basic training will be...interesting. I don't know if she actually understands the sort of respect and dedication involved.

I'm judging. I shouldn't. She might find the Navy is a perfect fit for her.

But...I just don't see it.

The Herding Instinct

The continuation high school held their annual career fair today. Over the course of the morning, the students got a chance to hear presentations by various recruiters. Others set up booths where the students could learn more about options for after high school.

The fair itself was pretty much over with a half hour left in the school day. The students were obligated to stay, but it was considered their lunch.

In previous years, the students would stand around complaining about having to wait until the end of the school day. Today, however, the students had something to entertain them. One of the booths was from a local DJ school, and the DJ was playing music in the stage area outside.

A crowd gathered. Various students got up on the stage and busted out their best dance moves. The office staff got out cameras and recorded video of the proceedings. (I so wish they'd post it on YouTube. I think that it will end up on the end-of-year DVD that goes along with the yearbook.)

It was nice to not have the students complaining about having to wait around. They were having a good time.

Then two students headed for the gate. They were followed by a dozen more. And suddenly, the entire stage area emptied as the whole student body went for the gate.

I turned around and checked the clock. They still had three minutes left. That was time for another song!

They all stood there, in front of the locked gate, and waited. As soon as the final bell rang, the gate was opened, and the school grounds emptied as fast as they usually do.

I couldn't stop laughing. Who had decided that it was time to leave? And then they stood there. Waiting. Hilarious.

It's the little things that amuse me.