Today marked an exciting day for our Haywood elders’ class. Having spent a lot of time in the classroom diligently studying Civics and English, it seemed like an opportune time to get out and learn something new. Many of our elders have never seen a working fire station, and the good folks at Metro Station 6 were willing to show us around. The captain took us around and showed the elders: the control room, break room (although it was hard to pry the elders away from the comfy couches), sleeping quarters, and locker room. Then the highlight of the visit, the fire engine!!! The elders got to see and hear the engine in action, and then they got put to work. Each got a turn manning the fire hose, and they were all naturals. Suffice it to say I would not hesitate to put any of them on my hotshot crew. The elders then got a chance to try on some of the firefighting gear. We then bid adieu to the crew at Metro Station 6, but not before snapping a few photos.

After returning to class we did a breakdown of what we learned and enjoyed about the trip. The elders seemed to genuinely enjoy learning about firefighting, and know a little bit more about something they probably see every day. This could not have been done without the help of Assistant Fire Marshal Maggie, the wonderful crew of Metro Station 6, and our Nepali interpreter Ram.

“Can we get in the water?”

“Well, you’re going to get wet… and it’s cold, you know.”

“That’s okay!”

At that moment, about fifteen Cameron Middle School 8th graders encircled the Nashville Courthouse fountain and got as close to the water as possible without touching it.  I have never seen so much unbridled joy as in that moment after taking our RISE students on a trip to see a Nashville Predators hockey game.  My soccer-obsessed Egyptian students were a bit dubious of “hockey,” and some were a little afraid of escalators, but we overcame our misgivings with help from the unlimited popcorn refills.  I tried to explain the rules, and some showed interest.  I think the consensus though is to go to a soccer game next. Before & after the game was almost as entertaining as the hockey game itself: fifteen teens parading down the street through downtown full of energy.  Even with the threat of rain, we persevered through a long walk back to the Courthouse parking garage and managed to work in some freeze tag on the green.  I will harbor that night as a fond memory with my RISE students.