It all went by so fast. And because of that, I didn't notice the bonds forming between the CCA tutors and O'Connell students. Perhaps it's because we were all so immersed in the project, in making sure the students had the essays completed in time, that we didn't realize how comfortable the tutors and students were becoming with each other. That final class, when the CCA tutors helped the high school students write their biographies, allowed that opportunity. This last class period felt less pressurized than the previous ones, because the essays had already been submitted. On this day, the CCA tutors helped with biographies and also coaxed the students into taking their pictures for the book. There was more leisure time for chit chat and long goodbyes. Near the end of the class session, the 826 staff took class pictures of both the students and tutors. It was a beautiful moment in the light-filled atrium. The CCA students had worked so hard on this project and I'm very proud of them.
But our semester isn't over. Now is the time we get to turn look at all their work and time, and see what it all means. What did they learn from working week to week with the O'Connell students? What did this show them about urban education in San Francisco? How can they, as artists, designers and writers, contribute their talents and skills to the community?
