Although this post will likely be dated August twenty-seventh as that is when it found it's way to this blog page, the story of how I came to Eastern Kentucky needs to begin in early August. Therefore, I'll start my tale there. After college graduation in May I spent a long summer working with International students in my college's ESL program and continuing to send out applications for various pre-graduate school research jobs. Although I sent out quite a few applications, I heard back from very few with little success. As July drew to a close I realized that a break from the job search would be a good idea and took a friend's suggestion to go backpacking up on Michigan's northern coast at Pictured Rocks National Scenic Lakeshore. Although not physically relaxing, the trip afforded a pleasant mental break.
On the trip it just so happened that I met someone else in contemplation about future career plans. Although already in the workplace, she felt unfulfilled and was looking into posible volunteering oppertunities including Americorps. As I was applying to Peace Corps at the time it was refreshing to discus dedicating a period of one's life to service. Although I was set on volunteering for a period before grad school, I realized that Peace Corps was a long (27 months) and lonely (your posted often in solo housing) I felt the service oppertunities offered by other organizations whiuch involved living in community a more comfortable sinario. After the backpacking trip I registered with CNVS (Catholic Network of Volunteer Service), a clearing-house-like network connecting potential volunteers with organizations and within a day I was contacted by a small high school in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky that was in need of a science teacher. Investigation of the school's website revealed a private, faith-based, not-for-profit high school started 36 years ago by a young man from New York which served students which had for whatever reason slipped through the cracks of Kentucky's secondary school system. I was intrigued. And in a move which I realize may at first appear rash I decided to accept an invitation and head to Kentucky to see the place for myself.
Further research revealed the surounding area was ground zero for national attention in 1965 when then-president Lyndon Johnson delivered a speach concerning the economic crisis affecting millions of Americans living in Appalachia, a region now perhaps best known for it's strong cultural traditions and poverty. Despite the tremendous natural resources in terms of coal and other minerals, over 40% of the population in the area surounding the school is classified as below the national poverty line and average income ranges between $13-20,000.
The eleven hour car drive flew by as my college roomate Paul and I took turns driving and navigating and before long, seemingly endless stretches of highway were replaced with twisting mountain roads with crazy dropoffs and oncoming 50 ton coal trucks. It was great to finally find the school tucked up in a hollow off Rt 114 near the tiny town of David, KY. The rest of the trip involved a tour of the school and grounds where we learned the modern structure was built by students entirely of donated materials and featured environmentally efficient construction and a geothermal heating/cooling system. The impressive stucture was only surpased by the welcoming personalities of the teaching and administrative staff with totalled about 7 volunteers and employes from all parts of the country and all walks of life. After a successful interview, I made the fateful decision to sign on for the 2008/2009 school year as a science teacher who would also teach Algebra II and Vocational Arts (woodworking).
More to come soon!!! Stay tuned!
Peace!
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