Here I am, day two at “local elementary school”. First day went well. It was only the second day of school, so the majority of my time was dedicated to meeting teachers and trying not to get lost in this horseshoe shaped building. I trailed along with my supervisor and his other (3rd year) intern, trying to keep up and participate in the conversation of two people who have worked together long before I arrived, observing the Kindergarten assembly.
My supervisor and the 3rd year walk the halls with a purpose. They seek out kids they know, say “Oh, we should check on little Johnny, he always has trouble adjusting the first week of school.” I smile, nod, ask about Johnny and his mother, and sit next to them in the back of the classroom while they observe. I try to observe too, but I am more curious about why there are 4 adults in this classroom and who they all are there for. It feels silly to be asking my supervisor such questions when I used to be the person people sought out to get the answers.
It is in this manner I find I am reconciling myself to a new role in life: the sidekick. I’ve previously felt more like the hero of the show. Legos start getting thrown, an all out riot ensues, and in I come to wade through the flying spit and lisped obscenities and restore order with a single deadly look or a startling “EXCUSE YOU?!!??” that inevitably causes all five year olds in the general vicinity to scurry to their seats.
And now, I am Robin. My costume is less cool, the green tights causing me discomfort and making me feel awkward about engaging in the fray lest I get a run in them. I am aware that I have a lot to learn, that my Batman is very good at his job and is already proving to be very good at teaching me the new things I have to know. But there is still a part of me that is frustrated: kids are kids, and fighting crime is fighting crime, no matter if it is in Gotham or Metropolis.
So now my reflection that leads me to believe I have put myself in this ridiculous outfit. Holy inferiority complex, Batman! This is not the first time I have had to carve out my own niche and find some self directed moments of brilliance. Kids ARE kids, and building relationships is always the first step. I have no idea why I thought my new title of “intern” should deprive me of all the skills I have gained prior to this point. I guess this has then lead me to the make or break moment: go find a classroom and begin the same way Batman does; “Hi! How can I be helpful?”
Great blog, I love reading all of them. But….where are the men? Are there no men at MSPP? Look forward to reading more, and I can see already what a great school psychologist you’ll be.
Have fun, good luck this year,
TJ
I wondered that initially, too! Where have all the men gone? Men are underrepresented in my cohort in School Psychology, though they are almost equally present at MSPP in general- apparently organizational psychology and a few of the other fields are more replete with testosterone! Additionally, this over representations of females in my class also appears to be in flux with the generations. For example, both my site supervisor and the 3rd year intern are male; more than half my professors are male (and practicing in the field). So don’t despair- we haven’t taken over the world yet!
What a nice story! I’m sure you can make it this year. Kids will always be kids. They will always be our little terrorist who still makes our day at the end! But then again, those kids will complete you, the challenges that you are about to overcome and I’m sure you’ll be one of the best psychologist there. Good luck. Enjoy!
Lol it gets better! I’m sure you will do perfect. I can’t wait to read more
hhoho..good post. i like it. very2 natural
Nouvelles Canada
Very nice story dude. Very natural man. Thanks!
Good story dude and quite funny as well
Enjoy reading!
LOL!have fun and guood luck this year!I enjoy your story
Cool Story man
I have fun reading it. Cheers!
I love strawberrys and strawberry jam. but if I have to much I have too jump on my vibration plare and work it off. what you had to say was almost as good.
I kind of like Robin. He is the guy Batman relies on, right?
Mr. forgetadebtrobin,
I like the joker better!
Batman is the best!
I like your stargames blog!
The story for the win
Batman, Robin … 
Nice story. rolling stones
I like the batman story joker haha