I gave Kavi (age 17) a ride in, so we talked in the car. She’s stressed, but okay. She has a lot of trans friends, and is worried about them.
She asked if I was at risk of being deported, and I reminded her that I’m a citizen now. She asked if any of our family was undocumented, and they aren’t (I think I might’ve been the last permanent resident, actually, and all the rest have been citizens for a while?), so I reassured her that our extended family isn’t likely at risk.
Then we talked about what’s going to happen next, and harm reduction, and how stressed her teachers and classmates are likely to be today, and probably for the rest of the week. She thinks no one should assign homework this week, and I kind of agree; I told her I was going much lighter with my students than typical. I told her this was a good day to eat all the ice cream.
Kavi (frustrated last words getting out of the car): “I think picking gas prices over women’s rights is just crazy.”
I don’t think that’s really what this was about, but I appreciate the sentiment, kiddo. Hold onto that energy. We’re going to need it.