“I think Nanticoke has a bad reputation, and I don’t think it deserves it. I have amazing memories of my time at GNA, and as a teacher, I have a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the GNA teachers and staff. I truly think there are so many success stories coming from Nanticoke, but as I learned in Mr. Carey’s English class, “…the good is oft interred with their bones.” I hope that young people living in Nanticoke see these success stories, and know that they truly can do something great, as well. We tend to dwell on the negative and let it shape our perception; however, if we ignore all of the incredible positive things to come from Nanticoke, we’re losing the bigger picture.
I am currently an English as a Second Language teacher (ESL). We tend to look at our teachers as having an influential role in our society, and it does make me feel successful when I see a student understand a concept or learn a new skill. It does make me feel like I’m doing something that matters. Having a fulfilling job, despite its many difficulties, is what keeps me coming back to work every morning. I guess that’s one way to view success.
I studied Spanish in all four years of high school. I continued in college, and even after graduating. Learning a second language was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life, and it’s a process that is still ongoing. I still mess up, I still get tongue tied, and there are SO many words that I still don’t know or forget. However, I use my story to inspire my English Language Learners. They have so many struggles in learning a new language, so I always remind them that it took me years to sound even slightly decent. I encourage them to try their best, and I show them that setbacks and those wonderful moments when you have no idea what’s going on are just part of the crazy beautiful process.
Life is work. That’s not just to say that you’re going to have a job for 40 hours (or more!) every week, but that the things you truly want out of life will take dedication, discipline, and ambition to obtain. Don’t be afraid of doing the work. Get your hands dirty. Whatever it is, earn it. You can do hard things!”
Devin Hassay, 2007
ESL Teacher, West Hazleton Elementary Middle School
