A Survivals Guide to Institutionalized Public Schools

Summer School Edition

Too much?

Step 1: It is not your fault.

Step 2: You may feel like a victim, and for all thoughts and purposes you probably are. Now, stop talking about all your faults and sickly acronyms (even just for One hour a day!). It just perpetuates the victimhood ness. No, it is not your fault. But you are still here. Now what?

Step Three: Plan. Make a plan for the life you want to build. No pressure. Have some fun with ideas. The more you focus on a plan for your imaginary life- hey, it’s better than complaining about circumstances beyond your control. First, it’s a nice escape. Plus, if you can not even imagine a life outside institutionalized public education- then, proceed as conditioned.

Step Four: Seek truths. Original Stories of what ever is in your best interest and…

11:37 AM Pause, this is good stuff-

Sitting in a library in Lillooet BC. June 7, 2025 Overhearing this conversation:

Librarian: Hi, welcome in. How can I help you?

Man voice: You can give me a pretty smile!

Librarian: (calm voice) Don’t be rude. How can I help you?

Man: Make some copies of this. I want to check out this book but not that one. And could you do it with a smile?

Librarian: (calm and steady) Here are your copies. Here is your book. I’ll put the other one back. Is there anything else I can get you?

Man: I’m still waiting for that smile.

Librarian: I’ll be here for the next two hours sir.

Man leaves.

I.School Lesson of the day for survivals guide to institutions.

Stay Calm. Be clear. Know your limits.

I have a lot to learn from this tiny, kind older woman in a tiny, kind library.

After the exchange, I complemented her on her poise as to what could have been unpleasant banter. She said, in the same calm voice, “I don’t like being told to smile. Especially by men. I did it for too long.”

I thanked her for the lesson on grace and integrity.

She said nothing back but gave me a big Smile.

I.School is everywhere.