Circling the Drain: Every Day is Exactly the Same

Circling the drain, a saying I have heard my whole life, a favorite of my grandparents. A plan close to failure. A lesson that does not connect with students and thus is discarded. I actually never thought of it as applicable to a student, to a situation that if identified and dealt with proactively can be eliminated. It seems so final, the saying. If something is truly in a vortex is there any coming back? Not without a lot of forethought and ingenuity. But when I see a situation that appears to be in this seemingly inevitable circumstance, I always toss in a life-line, reach out and try to get the person on solid ground again.

I have a student, we all do, that is reluctant, distracted, often disruptive. The student who makes inappropriate comments. Seems bored no matter what the activity is. I found it my personal goal to connect with this child numerous times this week. More then usual that is, in a positive and meaningful way. I spoke to him at length, offering ideas in which he could make more of an effort to collaborate with his peers and be accepted as a member of our classroom community. Most students try to avoid working with him because he refuses to do any of the work. He just plays around and distracts the group. So I mulled it over and decided to give him an opportunity for some extra-credit. A chance to get in front of the class, demand their attention and share his ideas that often puzzle or repel people. So I asked him to pick a topic that he could directly relate to ecosystems, sustainability and food webs. He did, hunting, a skill he is truly passionate about.

I must admit I was a little nervous to see his power-point. But he surprised me. It was concise, relevant and informational and extremely relevant and relate able. The class were engaged and focused. It made him so proud. It was very nice to see him smile and feel like a part of the community. I asked him what other activities might he be interested in? I want to keep the momentum going. "What can I do to make this class more meaningful for you?" I asked. He said I like your class, but in my other classes I get bored, everything you do that makes every day not exactly the same, like the NIN (Nine Inch Nails) song, do you know it?" "Yes I do," I said. He smiled, and asked me about what music I listen to. He was surprised by my repertoire of music. Something we now have in common. But, it made me want to read the lyrics again of the song and why this song of all songs he used to describe school. Simply, it was an eye opening experience for me. I will never think of the classroom or school the same again. I try to make my classes student-centered, engaging and interactive but truly, what does go on in the minds of our reluctant students? Well this...

Every Day Is Exactly the Same

Nine Inch Nails

I believe I can see the future
'Cause I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
But then again, that might have been a dream

I think I used to have a voice
Now I never make a sound
I just do what I've been told
I really don't want them to come around, oh no

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

I can feel their eyes are watching
In case I lose myself again
Sometimes I think I'm happy here
(Sometimes)
Sometimes, yet I still pretend

I can't remember how this got started
Oh, but I can tell you exactly how it will end

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

I'll write it on a little piece of paper
I'm hoping, someday, you might find
Well I'll hide it behind something
They won't look behind

I am still inside her
A little bit comes bleeding through
I wish this could've been any other way
But I just don't know, I don't know what else I can do

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same

Every day is exactly the same
Every day is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Every day is exactly the same
(Every day is the same!)

Songwriters: Trent Reznor

Every Day Is Exactly the Same lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.