Flu Shot Musings

I got my first flu shot during the Swine Flu scare of 1976. I was a second-year teacher and an asthma sufferer—and stood in line at the University of Michigan Union to get my prophylactic poke, convinced that I’d be the first to collapse in the great pandemic wave that never materialized. I haven’t missed a year since then—most often, I got the shot when the health department came to our school and provided a convenient $10-a-pop clinic. Gerald Ford would be proud.

My doctor was adamant that I was in a high-risk group, and needed a flu shot, noting that I “came in contact” with literally hundreds of students per day. I did much more than contact kids, however—I was the Saliva Queen of Hartland Farms Middle School, handling wet mouthpieces, getting up close and personal with braces and embouchures, molding little fingers to damp keys. It was constant cootie city—I kept bleach solution, alcohol, anti-bacterial soap and all manner of protective shields at the ready, all over my classroom.

But I forgot to get a flu shot this fall. Probably because there was no problem in getting one—the vaccine was easily available this year, no stories in the paper about rationing, or scary, looming avian or porcine viral sources. Of course, the first year I missed the shot, I got the flu. I made it all the way to 2009—then boom. The yucks.

Now, I have to fully recover before I can get a shot. But I will. Lesson learned. While lying in bed, I wrote many brilliant, incisive blog posts about key policy issues in my head, all of which unfortunately disappeared when the fever broke. But there are two wonderful stories that I want to share—both feature teachers as central to the success of two young men who could not be more different. As we slog back to our schools and workplaces in 2009, here are two tales of inspiration.

The first is a story about Kolan McConuighey, a cognitively impaired man who celebrated his 35th birthday on Christmas. I am proud to call Kolan’s foster mom, Janice Pardy, a good friend and teacher-leadership colleague. Kolan came into Jan’s life as an infant, when she volunteered to occasionally relieve his 16-year old mother from her struggles in caring for an infant with some serious developmental delays. Babysitting turned into overnights and weekends—until Jan and her husband finally sought and gained custody. And then—Jan’s husband, Kolan’s only father figure, passed away.

Seeking a healthy activity for Kolan, who was devastated, Jan hit on bowling. She graded papers and wrote lesson plans while keeping an eye on her charge, who turned into a bona fide bowling champion. Kolan has now worked for 17 years as a courtesy bagger at a local grocery. He lives largely independently—something that was never expected—has a circle of caring friends, a 401k and shelves full of awards, from Special Olympics and “regular” bowling tournaments.

It’s worth noting that Jan is a National Board Certified Teacher, and recognized all over the country as a leader in providing free virtual support to elementary teachers pursuing the process. She has a jam-packed schedule, but a huge heart. Watch Kolan bowl and consider his good fortune—sometimes, the stars align, and someone like Jan appears.

The second story begins with a 17-year old boy writing to 30 families that he’s never met, asking them to consider providing foster care for him, so he can finish his senior year in a school which has sustained him through some crushing experiences. Alex—no last name, to protect his biological mother—has been without a stable family since 8th grade, reeling through eight foster placements, four in the last three years. He needed to find a way to finish his education at Stoney Creek High School, in Rochester, Michigan:

The school meant everything to him. It was more than a building; it was his home. The teachers and counselors and students and secretaries and principal at Stoney Creek had become his family.

Cut to the end of the story: Alex finds a family to take him in—then scores a 35 on his ACT. That, and his 3.95 GPA, is reason for acceptance into the University of Michigan, although he’s holding out for Harvard. Teachers, counselors and his current foster mom praise his brilliance, determination and resilience. But--they matter in this story, as well.

I think it’s important, amidst the bitter and accusatory discourse on lousy, corrupt teachers and union-driven school policies—for the adults, not the kids, right?—to hear stories where teachers and groups of school personnel use their resources to make amazing things happen for kids who have truly been left behind. Kolan and Alex have incredible and touching stories—but equally important are the people who kept the faith for these young men.   Have a great—and hopeful—2009. Be sure to get a flu shot.

Image: nacu/morguefile

Comments

[Melissa B.]

First of all, hope you're feeling better, and on the road to recovery! Second of all, thanks for the tales of inspiration. There are a lot of wonderful folks out there, ya know?

[Cindi Rigsbee]

Feel better, Nancy! And thanks for these stories of inspiration - I am always moved by individuals like Jan who seem to have unlimited compassion (and energy) while teaching full time...like you said, these are the teachers who literally leave no kid behind.

[Melissa B.]

BTW, don't forget Sx3 tomorrow...it's a 3-parter!

[Delaine Zody]

I'm a big believer in those flu shots.

Love your stories. They warm the heart.

[Nancy Flanagan]

Thanks, Delaine. It's taking a long time to recover--I'm still hanging around on the couch.