Service Blog Post #4

Jonathan Ocampo
10/22/17
Service Blog Post #4

Acceptance and its Influence in Tunbridge

Continually going to Tunbridge Public Charter School has not only taught me a lot about the Baltimore community, but opened my eyes to the mission of the school. After reading the assigned readings for the week, I have connected their deeper meanings with my experiences assisting Mrs. Tate’s first graders. “Theology” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, “Talbeau” by Countee Cullen, and Frnkenstein by Mary Shelley are all pieces of literature that feature the theme of identity, and truly finding who you are. At some point in everyone’s lives you are challenged with others’ opinions, and it is your job to accept yourself as your own person. I saw these connecting theme, and can relate to my service in the Baltimore community.

In “Theology” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, he shortly states his beliefs of heaven and hell. I had to read this poem a couple of times to find the deeper meaning, but ultimately discovered that everyone’s interpretation of the poem could be different. This poem’s theme quickly shows how humans and society always expect to receive justification from everything they do during their lives. I was able to connect this to my service at Tunbridge with the reinforcement Mrs. Tate shows her students on a daily basis. One example of this is her use of “Spleems”. These are tally marks that Mrs. Tate uses to show when students are not doing what they are told. When a table receives a “Spleem” they immediately show their attention to Mrs., Tate and show her that they can do what they are told. This is an important action for young children because they need to learn as they get older things will get a lot harder, and they really need to concentrate on their work in order to be successful in their future endeavors.

 The first half of the novel Frankenstein was very unexpected, and completely unrelated to the films. The first half of this novel focuses on the theme of acceptance and understanding your true self despite what others say about you. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein creates an unwanted monster, and is immediately horrified at his creation.  The lack of love and attention that Frankenstein gives his “monster” is what causes it to become angry and violent. The “monster” was not born malicious, but sees himself as an unattractive creature due to the negative reinforcement brought upon by Victor. Although I have not seen the children of Mrs. Tate’s class be malicious and mean towards one another, Tunbridge’s number one rule is to treat your classmates the way you would want to be treated. Every Tuesday I witness Mrs. Tate’s constant lectures and teachings of this “golden rule”. The children of this class will continue to learn and thrive if they follow this very important value.

In the last poem, “Tableau” by Countee Culllen, it is explained how two boys of color walk arm in arm. The theme of acceptance is again shown, but this time in a more positive manner. The unison mentioned I the poem is very powerful, and can move the reader to take action in respecting people of all races. I think this poem can become relevant in society today because of Donald Trump’s stance on racial issues. I think that people can learn that everyone is created equal, and to accept someone for who they are despite their color or physical appearance. I notice this at Tunbridge when kids of different ethnic backgrounds engage in various learning activities such as reading and counting. I think that the diversity Tunbridge brings out shows that Baltimore is not the stereotypical ghetto city. It proves the point that the city of Baltimore holds more than the eye can see.