PROJECTIONS

Little did I know when I started washing blackboards in the third grade that it would turn into a career. Luckily, Mrs. Kapper recognized my talent immediately, and was able to convince the principal to take me on as a paid employee. I continued to attend classes, but focused most of my energy on walking to the janitor's closet, filling the bucket with water, and wiping downward with quick, strong strokes of the sponge. Throughout middle and high school, I commuted back to Harding Elementary to fulfill my contractual duty, and upon graduation became a full-time worker. My new status brought great responsibility, and I assumed board-washing duties for every classroom, as well as a series of apprentices. Although dry erase boards and PowerPoint threaten to make my calling obsolete, I continue to devote myself to the cleaning of the slate, and hope that one day my profession will be recognized as the art that it is. Until then, I remain yours, forever in chalkdust.