Never have I ever...Been to Gaston until now.

So Gaston is pretty legit. Nice scenery, southern hospitality, and a whole lotta nothing to do. However, the "KIPP Gaston College Preparatory School" is one of the most inspiring schools I have ever been in contact with. In just a few days, we have already grasped the dedication and compassion that all of the KIPP instructors embody. This is not just a regular middle and high school staff. The teachers don't just have a job, rather it seems this is their life. We chose an especially special time to visit because "Pride 2009" (they refer to their classes as by graduating year rather than actually grade to emphasize the mission to send all KIPP students to college) are just now receiving college acceptances. The teachers have as much if not more excitement for the students who will attend college next fall because they have worked with them since the 5th grade and watched them grow up. With an astounding mere HIGH SCHOOL gradtuation rate of about 40% in the area, if it were not for this school, these particular students would probably not have the oportunity to continue education post high school graduation, let alone possibly even recieve diplomas.

Pat Wu, an inspiration in himself, took us to his weekly habitat build yesterday. Although at times it seemed we were just in the way rather than helping, I am sure the volunteers, all older gentleman retirees who do this for fun on their own time seemed please to have us around. They patiently taught us how to correctly use a hammer, and thanked us immensely for our time when in actuality they are the true good patrons, out there week after week working simply to benefit the community. The most powerful part of the Habitat build was that the actual future owner of the house was on site. She seemed both grateful and elated to be there, and one could tell by the look in her eye she was defintly a deserving benefactor of the wonderful organizaiton of Habitat for Humanity.
With eleven college aged girls, and one awesome graduate student the absent of "things to do" in this town has not been a problem, rather this void has been filled with the inspiration and compassion exhibited by the community. I will never forget the KIPP mission and it has definitely heightened my respect for educators and their goal to better society as a whole.

-Becky