Schooled by Mr Bascom

It's been about 5 months since I dropped an episode. This one is different from the others, as it's just me (interviews will return) riffing on teaching during COVID, African-American History Month, and trying to be engaged and into what you're doing/learning, particularly when you're not 100%- Can you be RIGHT when everything's not right?

Rosalynn Diaz, or "Roz", is a former student of mine from I.S. 162. I taught her back in 2003-2004, after which she went on to graduate from Jane Addams High School, then go on to John Jay College. She was an excellent student then, overcoming challenges while providing inspiration on her path towards success. She is a family advocate in Queens Court. She is also a poet, expressing her views on so...

Danielle Taylor is not only a former student, but a former colleague of mine(!). I taught Danielle at I.S. 162 back in 2002-2003. After graduating from Clinton High School and getting her Bachelor's Degree from John Jay College, she went on to work with young people with Directions For Our Youth (DFOY) at Van Nest Academy. I reacquainted myself with Danielle there, as that is where I work- small w...

Envy Lopez is a former student of mine, proudly serving our country in the U.S. Army. Currently residing in Florida, she is a sergeant, working in recruitment, helping young people make wise decisions and maximize their potential while also contributing to the nation's defense. She continues her own education. Envy was a fantastic student in my VNA Class of 2013. She learned a lot about herself al...

Angel Fonseca was in the first class I ever taught, a fifth grader back in 1994 in P.S. 161 in the South Bronx. Angel and I never lost touch, as he was a player on my Bantam League football team in 1999 and a friend ever since. He knows me as "Mr. Bascom", "Coach Kurt" and "Kurt", while I know him as a friend, a family man and a successful entrepreneur. Angel is one of the co-founders of Hudsy, a...