That’s an official Walmart name badge and Fofo is so excited and happy. And if I may say so: she looks radiant!
(rev. 7/14/2021)
Today was orientation day and there was a lot to cover. Fortunately, the HR manager, Jamison, allowed me to sit in to help Fofo keep up and comprehend everything. There were 3 other young people there.
That was quite a disruption in my sleep as I have to go back to Chicago this evening, but it’s worth it to see Fofo’s beautiful smile and excitement!
Fofo has another orientation on Friday and then next week she starts 3 weeks of real-time training with Ashley, the head cashier and assistant manager.
And rumor has it she may get her driving permit tomorrow so if she does, she can drive me to orientation Friday.
And, Fofo, Claire, and Jasmine ultimately will be the “second generation” to carry the “first generation” into their new country of the United States. So for the whole family to succeed, the 3 younger girls need to excel. I’ve told them that – more than once. That’s a heavy load, but I also told them there are a lot of people who love them more than they know who are in it for the long haul. And we’re not giving upon them. I told them we live for and love their success stories.
And then after that, if that wasn’t enough disruption to my sleep, Claire wanted to go to school to track down Mr. Parsons, the athletic director, to ask him for a coach’s assistant job for the football team.
Mr. Parsons wasn’t there, but we did meet Mrs. Vanderwest. A look of confusion briefly crossed her face until I said, “In other words, let’s talk Title IX.”
“Title IX?… yes, I love Title IX.” she responded. So she sent Mr. Parsons and the football coaches an email and promised to follow up with them. Then we got to talking about girls’ basketball. Mrs. Vanderwest sent a text to the girls’ basketball coach and about 90 seconds later, the coach texted Claire and wants to online her immediately for another basketball camp and weekly girls’ scrimmages.
So you think Fofo has got a big smile on her face… Claire is walking on about 4 inches of air – she’s over 6 feet tall right now. She’s geeking out! She can’t wait for the new school year to start!! I wish I was at least 6 feet tall, but at 61, I think I’m shrinking. Vertically, that is, not horizontally, which makes it even more disturbing.