I Don't Have to Be Perfect

Beginning of the day.

TEACHER: So, we're going to put you in where we would normally have someone who translates for our Spanish-speaking students. We have about 16 in the program. I don't suppose you speak Spanish?

ME: No, sorry. I didn't realize you needed someone who was bilingual.

TEACHER: No, that's okay, we can still use you. Most of the kids are pretty fluent.

ME: I wish they'd put that on the job description. Whenever I get a room full of Spanish-speaking kids I feel like I'm not helping.

TEACHER: Unfortunately, if we put it in the job description, no one takes it.

ME: But then you end up with someone like me, who can't speak Spanish.

TEACHER: Well, you don't have to be perfect.

End of the day.

STUDENT: Are you going to be here tomorrow?

ME: Yes.

STUDENT: Are you going to be the regular assistant now?

ME: No, she'll be back on Friday. I'm just here today and tomorrow.

STUDENT: Oh, that's too bad.

ME: Is it?

STUDENT: Yeah, I don't like the regular assistant. None of us do.

ME: I'm sorry to hear that.

STUDENT: All she does is talk about how she went to college. That, or her fiance. And she, like, yells at us a lot and doesn't help us. I think she hates kids.

ME: Wow.

STUDENT: Yeah, you should be the new regular assistant.

ME: Unfortunately, I don't speak Spanish, so they'd never let me, anyway.

STUDENT: But you're laid back and cool. We like you.

ME: I like you guys, too, but I still don't speak Spanish.

STUDENT: So? You don't have to be perfect.