The podcast that I linked below is called Privileged Black Kids, started by a teen from the Central Valley. My former student, Joshua, who is currently in college, was the guest for episode #8. When I saw it posted on social media I had to listen.

The title of the podcast was really just their launching point for their discussion and instead they talked about race, private school vs. public school, the trap that Modesto can be, making money, college choices, and finding their passion. As Joshua spoke I could hear that he was the more mature version of the Joshua that I knew a couple years ago. We didn’t always get along when he was in my classroom and there are stories to explain why but I truly was one of his biggest fans in the end.

As I listened I had a “Proud Former Teacher Moment”. He was un-apologetically himself and spoke his truth. I realized he was always like that in my classroom too. It was in that moment that I realized that while I was teaching him about sacraments, ethics and morality his junior year, he was teaching me to see students for who they really were mind and spirit no matter what other faculty, students, or stereotypes said…enjoy.

Privileged Black Kids #8 Episode – Why Modesto is Among the Least Educated Cities in America