After one of the best nights of sleep that I’ve had in ages (I think it is the peace, quiet, and fresh air, along with just being HERE!), we woke up to a gray day of soft, steady rain. While this weather encourages laziness and lounging in your pj’s, we had places to be and people to see!
Our day started at the alternative classroom again with our health promotion topic being distracted driving (don’t text, bro! to quote a student) and safe party habits. While we do not want to encourage or condone underage drinking, our education on the topic encourages safety at all times. We also were able to provide a fun and interesting activity to go along with this–the beer goggles. These were borrowed from the campus police at IUS and simulate different levels of drunkenness–.08 (at the legal limit), .15-.25 (twilight); .26-.35 (blackout drunk). Students participated enthusiastically, asking questions with no holds barred. Most of the students tried each of the different levels of goggles while walking through an obstacle course. While there was much laughter and joking when someone walked into one of the obstacles, once reminded that if they were in a car and this had happened, they could have potentially run over someone, hit a telephone pole, etc, there was usually a somber, thoughtful moment for each.
We also went back to the foyer area like yesterday and had crowds at a time to get this education and “walk the line” with the beer goggles. All told, we saw about 50 kids today. Again, so much better than anticipated. Many, many eyeopening interactions–when the majority of the class of students raises their hands when asked if they know someone who has been in an accident and injured as a result of a drunk driving incident, you know that the education is needed–not just this once, but on an ongoing basis. Britin and Ashley continue to amaze me–they have worked so hard and continue to do so during this trip.
We were able to see Rosie and Allyssa tonight and spend some time visiting and chatting and shopping in the trading post. Always feels so comfortable to be there with old friends.
My students surprised me with a gift from Rosie’s –totally unexpected and not necessary but still much appreciated! I have admired on multiple trips the fans that are made of feathers and either painted or beaded. These are traditionally used in some of the pow wow dances by the female dancers. They got me a beautifully painted fan with the most striking color combination of feathers, along with a porcupine quill bracelet. I am speechless and thankful!
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 