I went to Bel Air Elementary for grades K-5.
My peers were diverse, though mostly living at or close to poverty level.
Most of my teachers were very supportive people, shout outs to:
- Brian: Kindergarten (super hippie 🌈☮️ )
- Mrs Hughes: first grade
- Mrs McCollough: 2nd & 3rd
- Mr Nielson: fifth grade
The kids would occasionally bully based on gender expression (I wish I stuck up for you, Larry), contents of lunchboxes, and pass stories of gang violence.
However, on the whole we were alright.
In 1st grade, I met Paulina who became my best friend. It started a few days after she transferred when I asked if she would be my friend. It turned out that she lived close to me, so we would frequently visit and have sleepovers.
In 4th grade, I entered Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) program, meaning that occasionally I would do separate worksheets and join a small group that visited a kid’s science activity space where we learned about animals, weather, chemistry, etc. Paulina also joined.
