A rough start and an awesome ending

The 6 male students gave their presentation for the Domestic Violence Week yesterday. Luckily we arrived early. The room was not set up despite the fact we had ordered it to be set up. The boys were nervous despite their "cool" exterior. They listened to our comment that the ribbons were lavendar rather than a deep purple, so they brought deep purple ribbons to distibute to the audience! I was shocked at their attention to detail. They also agreed as a group that brochures and ribbons would be placed on the audience chairs so those attending would be sure to get them. AFter a quick call to any staff we could find around the building, we directed the set up. We got a bit of a late start. Not really bad since the audience all arrived very late and continued to straggle in during the presentation. It was a good crowd. We were especially happy to see about 20 male students. Remember, the entire law school only has 50 males! We were all pleased that the US Embassy sent Ashraf, a wonderful guy who stuck around afterwards and talked to the students! He also took the time to talk with us and explain some things we probably should have known, but did not. The girls' film arrived midway through the presentation and then did not work! Another story and one that should not be told in this blog! But, the boys were great ----- and pleased ----and relieved when it was all done. They apparently had practices without us and on their own, because the presentation and power points were not what we had seen at our last practice!!! They made us proud. I have a picture with all of them to prove it! The most amazing part of the presentation was the public comment by one of the business profs from QU that attended the presentation. He is a Greek Cypriot, of all things! How ironic! He told his story of the 8 years he taught in the US - in Syracuse. He was asked to assist a group of volunteers in an organization that worked with abused women and children. The orgainization is called CASSA. He was hesitant at first and could not figure out why he was asked to help. He had no background in domestic violence. But, he agreed. As he got more involved he decided to get his business students involved. He chose 3 of the rich NY male students in his class and insisted they come up with a business plan for CASSA. They were insulted. Even one of the student's fathers called and insulted the professor. He stuck to his plan and said they could either do the project or not graduate. They did the project. They also decided to help raise money by setting up a golf tournament and the proceeds ($70,000) went to CASSA. These students thanked him for the opportunity to participate afterwards and 2 of these students now serve on the Board of Directors at CASSA to this day. As part of their project, they had to interview social workers, court personell and battered women. These men learned about domestic violence. it had a huge impact on them. This was in 1995. The professor told the group yesterday that those 8 years were the best in this life because of his involvement in CASSA. Of course, I had tears in my eyes when he finished. I had no idea what he was going to say when he asked me if he could make a comment to the group. When the film failed to work, I simply hoped that whatever he said would bring a graceful end to the presentation. And it did. Mary Pat (my co-teacher), J. and I went to the Four Seasons for dinner (there are several restaurant at the Four Searsons, we ate at the Italian restaurant and sat ourside overlooking the Persian Gulf). Our first (and probably only) really expensive and extravagant dinner. It was awesome. J. was the designated driver. Mary Pat and I had a glass of wine. A fitting celebration. On our way out, the restarant next to the Italian one was having a "sneak preview party" -- free Japanese food. We looked at each other and said, "why not?" We had room for dessert. Oh, my gosh. The dessert was the best. Especially the chocolate cubes! As we were leaving, our "gift" was a free dinner for 2 at any time before August. Mary Pat and I each got one. I thought of Mom. She would be proud! Well, this morning I forced myself to run. Punishment for all I ate last night.