Surprise Surprise!

I made a hair appointment yesterday for these reasons:

1. My hair had completely outgrown its 'bob' cut and was at an extremely awkward length where no matter how long I straighten it, how I styled it or how I did ANYTHING, it still managed to flip out all over in the weirdest ways.

2. My bangs had also outgrown themselves from the last trim and were at the point where they just barely could fit behind my ear; thus, driving me crazy and forcing me to find different ways to pin them back. Which is just unfortunate for everyone involved because nobody I have known since sophomore year in high school (approximately 7 years ago) has seen my forehead exposed so bluntly.

So- I went in to a wonderful salon that I was recommended to anyone and yes, it really is as cool and legit as it looks. I brought along a picture of what I would call a medium length bob and said to my new hair dresser what I say every time I get my hair cut:

"I'm really not picky. I just think I would like more of the angled look. But you just do whatever you think would look best. I trust you because, hopefully, you know better than me."

***Side note: I am not sure if that is too much freedom for some hair stylist.... I often think about that seconds after I tell them because if it were me, I would have SO much trouble making that kind of decision for a stranger! Which would make me continuously ask questions until they gave me answers that would make me feel like I've made a decision even though they clearly provided everything for me.***

Long story short: I left with my hair looking much like the picture I brought. She even kept it because she thought it could be flattering on anyone and said she would tell everyone she just successfully cut the exact hair style! I am happy with the cut and didn't even really think it was that different. That is because, I realized, I had this cut BEFORE I worked at my current job. So, nobody here has seen it.

And that statement brings me to the point of this entry.

A student on my caseload comes into my room multiple times a day. He is one of my favorite students here and by far one of the nicest. The first time I met him, I specifically remember thinking that I wanted him to like me because he looked SO cool. (If you're wondering, I have achieved that). Anyways- he came in today just like any other day but saying:

" mumble mumble It looks so fly. mumble That's tight. mumble. Fly."

My response was: "Wait... What's on fire?!"

He proceeded to look at me like I was the thing on fire, with reason, and say "Your hair looks fly, Ms. Peters. Its tight, real tight."

Naturally, I said thank you. I brushed it off quickly in fear that he was actually thinking I looked ridiculous. Yes, I do care what these high school students think of me. Okay?! We continued on with our light chit chat about what class he should be in, how his teacher doesn't care, yadda ya. Then, he walked out. He said bye, I said peace.

He came back to my door. I figured to give me a strange look and laugh at my 'peace', like normal. But instead, he said:

"Has your boyfriend seen your new style?"

Me: "No, not in person."

Willie (Nope, not his name. I just call him that because I called him William for about the first 2 months of knowing him without him telling me he goes by Will. So, I do it to be obnoxious. Its fine.): "Oh, he's gonna like it. He's gonna be real happy.

Me: "Oh yeah? You think?" (Still self conscious he is about to make a dig at me)

Willie shook his head and walked away. I sat at my desk, laughing to myself. Willie came back but just popped his head in the doorway to say:

"He will.... It's beautiful."

Me (shocked, flattered by his honesty and embarrassed because its a BIT awkward): "Aw, wow Will. (yep- first time I've used his preferred name) Thank you."

Willie left but again, returned quickly with his head only to say:

"I can't really see myself saying that..... It's nice. Real nice." Then he walked away.

I am surprised every day by little things. By what honesty brings: happiness, awkwardness, courage, truth. I am surprised by my students and how I have been able to see them grow just within 5 short months of knowing them. To see relationships mature and to experience trust being established in a way I never have.