Ms. Morgan

Shanique's Perspective

I stood in front of the gates of Belair High, gripping my handbag tightly. The air was crisp, and the morning was alive with the energy of students rushing to get to devotion. I took a deep breath, straightened my blouse, and stepped forward.

I had heard good things about Belair, but transitioning into a new school as a teacher carried its own nerves. First impressions mattered, not just with the students, but with the staff. Walking into the teachers' lounge, I greeted my colleagues and introduced herself.

"Good morning, everyone," I said with a polite smile. "I'm Shanique Morgan, English teacher. It's great to be here."

Some teachers nodded and answered in acknowledgment while others continued their conversations. I felt the weight of being new but pushed past it. I signed and push past a few teachers standing in the path and placed my bag on the desk with the welcome sign. Wow they go all out here

I made my way to the devotion area and stand beside another teacher who was busy looking forward at the persons conducting devotion.

"Good Morning" I said with a smile.

"Good Morning. You must be new, Are you working for Ms. Green or Mr. Mullings?" she asked turning her head to face me.

"Ms. Green"

"Oh English" she chuckle. "I'm Ms. Lewis, Soci and Geo...Welcome"

"Thank you. You're the first person to really acknowledge my presence" I responded, and she smiled.

"So, di fucka dem stay, hype, so dem treat mi too last term but dem a good people" she whispered and turn her attention back to devotion exercise and I did the same.

As I settled in the staffroom, arranging my materials, I felt excitement build. I loved teaching, guiding students, watching them grow in their understanding. This was my passion.

Settling In

A few weeks in, and I began recognizing faces and personalities. Some students were eager to learn, others came for the bare minimum, and then there were those who carried an energy that made teaching both a challenge and a thrill.

And then there was Alwayne Williams.

At first, he was just another student, focused on football, carrying himself with a certain confidence, educated and respectful more than others. But something about the way he looked at me held a certain curiosity, something different. I knew some of the boys in my class admired my body, but they didn't ever approach me with their fetish. But he was the opposite.

The first time he flirted with me, I dismissed it.

"Miss, yuh know seh yuh a di prettiest...no sexiest teacher inna di whole school?" Alwayne had said with a sly smirk.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "Alwayne, focus on your work. Compliments nuh necessary fi English class."

But I couldn't ignore the slight amusement bubbling inside me. He was bold, that much I could say. The next time was when he asked for help with a topic, and I had to put him in his place.

"Miss, mi have a quick question," he said with confidence.

I looked up, my expression open and encouraging. "Sure, Alwayne. Wah yuh need help wid?" I asked in creole.

"It's about di activity," he began, holding up the worksheet, knowing well that he knows what he's supposed to do and he's just using the question as an excuse to speak with me.

"Mi get most a di answers, but mi kinda confused 'bout di last one."

I nodded and motioned for him to sit at a desk near me.