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The call came right at the wrong time. We’re sitting down the dinner. Ring Ring, Is Jasmine there? "Jasmine" I called.

She spoke for a few minutes then said "Hold on" Mom did you read about that rock climbing program? Ahh Girls Rock Called  Aron spoke up. "Yes Jasmine we  decided it is too expensive and we don’t think its right for you"  She went back to the phone.

"They say there are scholarships." She says   By this time I am squirming in my chair. "Can I give them a piece of my mind, please??" Leah and Aron agree, Jasmine lets me take the phone.

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You see Jasmine is a special needs child. She’s fantastically artistic, creative  and is smart as a whip. But she has some social issues, and some issues with motivation. In particular a structured program for Rock climbing with other from her school is not the best idea.

And they wanted $400.

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This is one of Jasmine’s parents.  We had decided that the program didnt fit with Jasmine’s needs at this time, and find that it inconsiderate that you are calling to get her hopes up about a decision we had already made within our family.

"but there are scholarships" said the woman on the phone.

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It’s not about the money really. I know she would qualify for the scholarship, if we felt it was right. It’s not. Jasmine has enough issues doing her normal work, and having D&D and her other outside interests.

And how dare they call her directly to solicite her interest without confirming from the parents if it was allowed??  I’m sure its a great program, but even looking at the website  they do talk about what  the look for a student to accept them. Does that mean they reject students? That has to be unfortunate. "I’m sorry, you have too much self confidence, we cant take you"

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I tried to explain Jasmine’s situation. Tried to explain how they had now gotten into the middle of a family decision already made, and now we had an upset disappointed 13 year old to deal with.I ended the call abruptly and am still shaking my head from it.

I’ve never spoken as Jasmine’s parent before. I asked her if it was weird that I had. She shook her head no. For her this is normal. I don’t often speak on her behalf, but this time it was important. 

Thanks Girls Rock I’m sure you can solicit business from other 13 year olds instead.

I had an orientation at Operation Frontline today. Operation Frontline is an organization in the Wallingford Neighborhood of Seattle, who work with low income people of all ages and backgrounds and teach them to cook for themselves, and how to make good nutritional choices etc.
From there website "Classes are taught at community and family centers, schools, and transitional
housing sites throughout the greater Seattle area, in an effort to provide
low-income individuals with hands-on, practical experience."

It’s really interesting work and I think they are doing the community a great service. Deb had passed the volunteer listing to me after a discussing regarding my desire to go to Bastyr. (Sometimes I feel like a little girl who some days wants to be a astronaut and others wants to be a teacher)  She passed the listing on and I dropped them an email, requesting to be considered for the Class assistant position.  I got an enthusiastic response, a volunteer application and a lunch date for today, at the Freemont Public Associaiton Center.

I wandered in and was greated by a room full of dynamic women all volunteering, each with a different background. Two women  earning Master’s degress at Bastyr (can I be you when I grow up?)  A  woman who was at the CIA, another who’d trained in California. A mixture of nutrition and culinary experience. All wanting to help.

All in all it looks like a great opportunity, I hope I get to work with them.