So many thoughts, but so hard to even express them all. This has been a very frustrating month, to say the least. With the bigotry of the DOMA Act (from the previous post), to what is also horrifying. And much closer to home. As many previous posts have suggested, I am pretty stagnant in my job. The students are great people, but the intellectual challenge is definitely gone. Fortunately, I have been able to work quite a bit on my thesis due to actually having (some) time to myself over the weekends. It's far too difficult on weekdays to actually immerse myself into it. Work, Creative Writing Club, College Counseling, and chorus are enough to keep me way too busy.
I grew up just outside of Boston. The Boston Marathon goes through my town, which means that I have seen the Marathon nearly every year since 1992, when my best friend from elementary school, Joni's father ran it. In 2011, I took my students to the Marathon. In 2012, I decided that it would be far too crowded (I really dislike crowds, so I avoid most concerts and sports games). This year, I thought that I would take my final class, Reading and Writing. However, a few days before I had initially made that decision, I realized that we really needed to spend the 4 weeks practicing writing. So, my students were taking their exams at the normal 1:45pm period, and I was (bored) and checking the news online (thank you, free Verizon Smartphone). Then, at 2:40pm or so, I started reading Facebook messages like, "I'm OK." Well, that's good, right? Then the status updates multiplied and newspaper articles were released. An explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Well, people are often happy and release fireworks at festive events like marathons (particularly when there is both national and international attendance). Even though fireworks are illegal in the state of MA, I figured that some teenager released fireworks in a state of excitement.
As my students continued to turn in their exams, I continued to read updates. It was soon revealed that there were 2 deaths and several injuries. I guess I couldn't hide my pain. Since my instinct is to be protective (the whole previous post was due to wanting to protect my dear, responsible, wouldn't-be-a-burden-on-anyone brother-in-law), I couldn't stop the tears from welling up. It was a bomb. My first instinct was to think it was still a teenage kid. Of course, there would be conspiracy theories that would transpire after it. But my gut feeling said, "home-grown American bomb." Jon, one of my train buddies, and another person who was forced to work on Patriot's Day, said the same. As the tests continued to pour in, one of my students said, "thanks for not taking us to the Marathon." But, I knew it wasn't me. God had protected us. I could have given that test the following day, easily (this class in particular has high competency so a day missed would not have been too detrimental). The decision to not go wasn't mine. That morning, I slightly regretted my decision and almost decided to take the students anyway. But knowing how strict and unpredictable the administration could be, I didn't proceed. On my way home, cell phone service had been cut. Chorus was canceled. Aaron and I headed to our friends' house up the street and tried to enjoy ourselves...and did. It hadn't escalated yet.
At 7:05am or so the next morning, it got far worse. I had stopped watching/reading the news at 11pm the night before since it was just too much. Brain overload really does hit you (I have no idea how journalists do it without going insane). My friend passed me his phone, revealing something I will never forget. The name of one of my students, one I even wrote a recommendation for college for, as a "person of interest" at the crime scene. Impossible. The young man sometimes forgot that he was in a class full of 18 students and demanded a lot of teacher attention, but he was sweet, diligent, kept to himself, and had a community of friends from all different backgrounds. Impossible. This past Tuesday was one of the hardest days. The administration was trying to locate all of the students who were not on campus that day or the day before. Some of them answered, but some of them were still not accounted for. My former student, Abdulrahman, was one of those not accounted for. It was literally the most somber day at NESE. The strong, young men that walked the halls and chatted in various different languages with beaming smiles became quiet, crestfallen, and some even were fighting tears during class. Needless to say, the curriculum wasn't touched. But they were able to share their fears, ask about how the American press could allow this to happen (granted it was Fox News, but still, COMPLETE character defamation!), and ask about how to tell his family that he was missing. Thank God, around noontime, he had been found. And was safe in a hospital bed. But his apartment had been searched and not only he but also his roommates were questioned for FIVE HOURS. Unbelievable. The epitome of profiling. My colleagues were just as livid, but what could we do? The press even showed up at the school. Since we have a satellite building that I had been teaching in, I was unaware of this until after the fact. But one of my co-workers (and good friend), Laura, told me that some of her students were interviewed, and then...not surprisingly...misquoted.
On Wednesday, my co-worker Karen and some other students and teachers went to visit him. When she reported back to us today, he seemed to be in high spirits. The scholarship adviser, consulate, and other important figures were there at the same time. It still stuns me, and I can't even begin to describe how sorry I feel for this poor 20-year-old student. All he wanted to do was study at a university in a country with one of the highest standards of education. I can't even imagine what is going through his mind right now, "What if I had gone to class instead?" "What if I had been absent that day?" Anything that could have prevented the poor kid from being incriminated. Of all the 20,000 or more people that were at the finish line, why HIM?? Was he the only brown-skinned man? Was he the only one speaking a language that so many (idiotic!) Americans consider to be a "language of terror?" I am still stunned and shocked that one of our own was accused, particularly one who is incredibly UNintimidating. The US media has really done a good job of convincing much of the American public that all people from a particular region are violent. This is so sickening, and I am in absolutely shock about how to deconstruct how ridiculous this concept is.
In my more than 2.5 years at my job at the English School, I have encountered all sorts of people. Many have been privileged young men and women who believe that they are better than their classmates. This has of course been a source of frustration, but it is something that can be deconstructed with a bit of humbling and trying to have them see what reality is. In the first few months at this job, there were several frustrating things, particularly apathy and sheer laziness in the classroom. But the amazing encounters I have had have more than made up for the daily annoyances. Two young men call me "Mom" to this day (and they're 22 and I'm 29). They are both Saudi Arabian young men. They reach out when something is wrong with me or their friends. They send messages to keep in touch and let me know about their updates in their lives, and to let me know that they miss me (which is just so sweet!). It really does come as an absolute shock to me. Unbelievable that the Media is just so far from the truth.
As is common for 20 and 30-somethings (and older, I'm sure!) to feel stuck/hoping for a new direction career-wise, that has been me for at least 8 months. But now I truly believe that God really wanted me to still be teaching when this all happened. My hope is that I can allow the channels of open, honest communication to continue at the school, and make sure that everyone feels safe. Although everything has been incredibly tragic lately and my body is literally numb from the over-exhaustion of emotions and events this week. I have never been more sure that this is where God wants me to be. Right now. I will take on the day's frustrations, but change will be made. The fear will vanish, and students will feel safe and happy in the city that they often call their "second home." But only through God will this be possible.
I grew up just outside of Boston. The Boston Marathon goes through my town, which means that I have seen the Marathon nearly every year since 1992, when my best friend from elementary school, Joni's father ran it. In 2011, I took my students to the Marathon. In 2012, I decided that it would be far too crowded (I really dislike crowds, so I avoid most concerts and sports games). This year, I thought that I would take my final class, Reading and Writing. However, a few days before I had initially made that decision, I realized that we really needed to spend the 4 weeks practicing writing. So, my students were taking their exams at the normal 1:45pm period, and I was (bored) and checking the news online (thank you, free Verizon Smartphone). Then, at 2:40pm or so, I started reading Facebook messages like, "I'm OK." Well, that's good, right? Then the status updates multiplied and newspaper articles were released. An explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Well, people are often happy and release fireworks at festive events like marathons (particularly when there is both national and international attendance). Even though fireworks are illegal in the state of MA, I figured that some teenager released fireworks in a state of excitement.
As my students continued to turn in their exams, I continued to read updates. It was soon revealed that there were 2 deaths and several injuries. I guess I couldn't hide my pain. Since my instinct is to be protective (the whole previous post was due to wanting to protect my dear, responsible, wouldn't-be-a-burden-on-anyone brother-in-law), I couldn't stop the tears from welling up. It was a bomb. My first instinct was to think it was still a teenage kid. Of course, there would be conspiracy theories that would transpire after it. But my gut feeling said, "home-grown American bomb." Jon, one of my train buddies, and another person who was forced to work on Patriot's Day, said the same. As the tests continued to pour in, one of my students said, "thanks for not taking us to the Marathon." But, I knew it wasn't me. God had protected us. I could have given that test the following day, easily (this class in particular has high competency so a day missed would not have been too detrimental). The decision to not go wasn't mine. That morning, I slightly regretted my decision and almost decided to take the students anyway. But knowing how strict and unpredictable the administration could be, I didn't proceed. On my way home, cell phone service had been cut. Chorus was canceled. Aaron and I headed to our friends' house up the street and tried to enjoy ourselves...and did. It hadn't escalated yet.
At 7:05am or so the next morning, it got far worse. I had stopped watching/reading the news at 11pm the night before since it was just too much. Brain overload really does hit you (I have no idea how journalists do it without going insane). My friend passed me his phone, revealing something I will never forget. The name of one of my students, one I even wrote a recommendation for college for, as a "person of interest" at the crime scene. Impossible. The young man sometimes forgot that he was in a class full of 18 students and demanded a lot of teacher attention, but he was sweet, diligent, kept to himself, and had a community of friends from all different backgrounds. Impossible. This past Tuesday was one of the hardest days. The administration was trying to locate all of the students who were not on campus that day or the day before. Some of them answered, but some of them were still not accounted for. My former student, Abdulrahman, was one of those not accounted for. It was literally the most somber day at NESE. The strong, young men that walked the halls and chatted in various different languages with beaming smiles became quiet, crestfallen, and some even were fighting tears during class. Needless to say, the curriculum wasn't touched. But they were able to share their fears, ask about how the American press could allow this to happen (granted it was Fox News, but still, COMPLETE character defamation!), and ask about how to tell his family that he was missing. Thank God, around noontime, he had been found. And was safe in a hospital bed. But his apartment had been searched and not only he but also his roommates were questioned for FIVE HOURS. Unbelievable. The epitome of profiling. My colleagues were just as livid, but what could we do? The press even showed up at the school. Since we have a satellite building that I had been teaching in, I was unaware of this until after the fact. But one of my co-workers (and good friend), Laura, told me that some of her students were interviewed, and then...not surprisingly...misquoted.
On Wednesday, my co-worker Karen and some other students and teachers went to visit him. When she reported back to us today, he seemed to be in high spirits. The scholarship adviser, consulate, and other important figures were there at the same time. It still stuns me, and I can't even begin to describe how sorry I feel for this poor 20-year-old student. All he wanted to do was study at a university in a country with one of the highest standards of education. I can't even imagine what is going through his mind right now, "What if I had gone to class instead?" "What if I had been absent that day?" Anything that could have prevented the poor kid from being incriminated. Of all the 20,000 or more people that were at the finish line, why HIM?? Was he the only brown-skinned man? Was he the only one speaking a language that so many (idiotic!) Americans consider to be a "language of terror?" I am still stunned and shocked that one of our own was accused, particularly one who is incredibly UNintimidating. The US media has really done a good job of convincing much of the American public that all people from a particular region are violent. This is so sickening, and I am in absolutely shock about how to deconstruct how ridiculous this concept is.
In my more than 2.5 years at my job at the English School, I have encountered all sorts of people. Many have been privileged young men and women who believe that they are better than their classmates. This has of course been a source of frustration, but it is something that can be deconstructed with a bit of humbling and trying to have them see what reality is. In the first few months at this job, there were several frustrating things, particularly apathy and sheer laziness in the classroom. But the amazing encounters I have had have more than made up for the daily annoyances. Two young men call me "Mom" to this day (and they're 22 and I'm 29). They are both Saudi Arabian young men. They reach out when something is wrong with me or their friends. They send messages to keep in touch and let me know about their updates in their lives, and to let me know that they miss me (which is just so sweet!). It really does come as an absolute shock to me. Unbelievable that the Media is just so far from the truth.
As is common for 20 and 30-somethings (and older, I'm sure!) to feel stuck/hoping for a new direction career-wise, that has been me for at least 8 months. But now I truly believe that God really wanted me to still be teaching when this all happened. My hope is that I can allow the channels of open, honest communication to continue at the school, and make sure that everyone feels safe. Although everything has been incredibly tragic lately and my body is literally numb from the over-exhaustion of emotions and events this week. I have never been more sure that this is where God wants me to be. Right now. I will take on the day's frustrations, but change will be made. The fear will vanish, and students will feel safe and happy in the city that they often call their "second home." But only through God will this be possible.
Sharon, I am honestly not surprised at the media's misinterpretation of information and misrepresenting of your student and others. It's sad, tragic even. Remember, the Book of Revelation predicts this sort of stuff. As with Job, we do not know the conversation(s) that went on between God and Satan about this young man. Whatever God's reasoning for allowing this tragedy to happen, He has allowed it and we are to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly. I didn't know what else to do but write in my own blog and organize my thoughts. I think it's a blessing that myself and the other teachers were able to extend a hand and a heart to anyone grieving over the deaths or the accusations. There's a ton of pain in Boston. I think 7 towns are under lock-down still, also. Lots of prayers.
DeleteSharon, I have been writing about Abdul Alharbi and defending him against the sleazy attacks being waged by Glenn Beck. See my latest post:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sharethisurlaboutglennbeck.com/2013/04/beck-jumps-shark-but-falls-short-chomp.html
I would like to get his story for my Review. Are you still in touch with him, and can you have him contact me? My e-mail address in listed on About the Blogger page. (I found this blog on his Facebook page.)
I think Beck is defaming his character and slandering Abdul, and I would very much like to set the record straight.
Victor Tiffany
Hi Victor-- I am so glad that you are doing that! If you were on his Facebook page, it is probably better to contact him directly. I am so glad that this blog page has gotten so many views and we can set the record straight. Thanks so much for the good you are doing. :)
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DeleteI have enjoyed reading your post about this depressing event. You give me hope that there are still open minded people who do not discriminate others because of their religions or nationalities.
ReplyDeleteI do not understand how these people could do such a thing, and how they are Muslims! It is just overwhelming to think about it. I would like to think you for your post and I wish you all the best.
This has been an ongoing struggle to try to make people realize that people who commit crimes are bad people. Maybe they are brainwashed, maybe they were born evil, we don't know. But for someone to say 'all Muslims are terrorists,' it is ABSOLUTELY not true. One of my life goals is to really share this and make people realize that WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for our own actions. No religion is. Whether someone was misguided by a religion, it was still their choice. Hence, good Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Atheists, Wiccans, are good because they are good PEOPLE. Thankfully, a lot of people agree these days. I believe those who think all people are a certain way are pretty evil, myself.
DeleteI read and enjoyed this article which is full with honesty and kindness from teacher to student and this is what everyone knows about american people. The problem is with the media that say anything without checking it . I was listening to a radio that day interviewing Waild Shoebat who was telling fake information about the evidence. He said the three all saudis and he said he knows how the saudi look like- ha ha ha- sure he knows!!!!!!!-and the next day everyone knows by sure they are Chechen not Saudis as he said and was sure about. In the same Interview he linked Abdulrahman to Al-Queda only because of his last name He doesn't know that about 40% of the citizens of saudis their names end with Al-harbi He doesn't know Al-harbi is a big tribe live in a large area of Saudi Arabia And this tribe is divided into many branches and each member of any branch doesn't know all the member of his branch rather than the whole tribe.It is impossible to do so. There for I wonder how Walid Shoebat linked Abdulrahman only because of his last name (Al-harbi) to Al-Queda and terrorism!!!!
ReplyDeleteEssa, Shoebat is a fake former "terrorist". Unfortunately, we think this is where Glenn Beck got his "tip-off" about Abdul. See Victor's blog above, (I work with him on this), and you can see a video, (one of many actually), that discredit's Shoebat, (as in the only "terrorist" activity he ever did, was as a teenager, handed out anti-Israel pamphlets. He claims to have done much more, but even his family has admitted he was not involved in any real "terrorist" activities-he's just used the claim in a post-9/11 world to get very rich "preaching" hate for all Muslims), whom Beck has had on numerous shows and his bigoted so-called "documentaries".
DeleteVictor and I want very much to help clear Abdul's name after Glenn Beck has insinuated for over 8 days now that he "conjectures" that Abdul headed up a terrorist cell at the mosque-all while showing pictures of Abdul and his friends in the background. He has gone too far this time, completely smearing an innocent man's name.
And I pray that he himself, soon feels the pain of being thoroughly discredited, as he has done to Abdul. (And all other Saudi's, for that matter.)
Peace, Salaam,
elaine
Thank you Solopocono you and Voctor are doing great job supporting this young man. You are in the right path while walid shoebat is pulling Glenn Beck to the wrong one. This is the truth that Beck will face at the end.
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ReplyDeleteIs there any kind of organized effort to bring legal action against Beck for this defamation of character? If so, I'd be interested in knowing about it and would donate money to the cause. The First Amendment gives us the right to make accusations against our leaders, but does not give anyone (especially powerful media figures) the right to drag innocent civilians through the mud.
ReplyDeleteHi Dave,
ReplyDeleteFortunately, the young man's government has been the main advocate for him. I am simply trying to show, through social media, that much of the conclusions the American public jump to is due to the way that the media has brainwashed us. So many people were ready to jump on a "Saudi terrorist" as being responsible for the heinous crime, and fail to see that as 21% of the world is Muslim, in NO way can all Saudis or other Muslims be terrorists. I am not a lawyer, but I am an advocate for rights for all humans. I believe someone earlier in this strand, under the Glenn Beck Review, is taking the stand against him. My plan is to do this more peacefully and show the REAL side of Abdulrahman.
I admire your intentions, however, I don't really believe that people like Beck (and the, unfortunately, huge number of people who follow him) will be moved by any kind of peaceful display. Has he even admitted that he was obviously very wrong yet?
DeleteGlenn Beck is still bashing Abdulrahman. He has the gall to hypocritically call Abdulrahman "paranoid delusional" when Beck's own paranoid delusion is what ignited his false accusations against Abdulrahman. See the second video on this page: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/05/01/is-welfare-funded-jihad-part-of-radical-islams-playbook/comment-page-2/#comment-5300344
DeleteSorry. I was wrong. It's the last video on that web page.
DeleteUnfortunately, he hasn't. I think maybe the Glenn Beck Review is going to take care of it? I'm not exactly sure. I'm not well-equipped to go up against him, but the Saudi Embassy might be?
ReplyDeleteIt's all to boost ratings. Even Fox News let him go due to poor ratings. Well, good move Fox News. And good move, America, for deeming him unworthy of ratings! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/29/fox-news-glenn-beck_n_3177932.html
ReplyDelete