Chapter 5 Summary- Construction and Electrical Wiring (Teresa Fiorenza)

In the second half of the chapter 5 we are introduced to Marcus, who is doing a series of complex projects in a workshop. Unlike Jim Padilla, who we were introduced to in the first half of the chapter, Marcus is futher along in his courses in a trade technical college program. He is in his mid 40's and wants to become an electrician after being in the airline business for many years (108).
Mike Rose makes a reference to D.H Lawrence's essay on painting. Mike explains that there are times inthe workshop when you sense that the people are so absorbed in their work. It's like "Disappearing into that canvas" (109). Students in the room talk, but there is alot of concentration. You can hear the occasional cursing that comesfroma mistake like "a porcelain fixture cracks with the final turn of a screw or someone hammering their finger" (109).
I really like Lawrence's quote. It really goes well with this chapter, but it can also go with a lot of other things. When I first read this quote I thought of many times when I was really absorbed with my work.
Mike also makes a connection with a Canadian Inuit. He quotes that "competence at solving a problem, or fixing a snowmobile, or teaching a baby to walk needs a blend of experience, skill, knowledge, and a calm preserverance" (110). Mike encounters this with Jim's group.
As we head further into the chapter of one of Jim Padilla's students, Hector, is observed by Mike. Mike watches as Hector is having trouble getting a screw in because he has no leverage. Jim offers suggestions like "turn the hammer sideways, use a smaller screwdriver, and try making a hole with a nail" (110). Jim also says "There's more than one way to milk a cow"(110) "And I'm not gonna let you give up" (110). Eventually Hector gets the nail in with one of Jim's ideas, making a hole with a nail.
When I read this I was really moved on how much Jim really cares about his students. I remembered a time back in highschool when I was out for a while with bronchitis and when Ican back I didn't get anything we were doing in my accounting class. I had just about given up when my teacher called me up to his desk and sat there with me almost the whole period just explaining what I needed to do and helping me with figuring out the answers. He never gave up on helping me, even when I did.
Mike goes onto talk about how none of the people he talks to suggests that some kids are better than others. He states that they are "more focused on helping the students and giving alternative suggestions" (111). He also states that "The young people working with Jim Padilla get frustrated, to be sure" (111). But their teacher makes sure they go about a different way of using that frustration.
We then go back to Marcus where Mike tells us about how Marcus and his classmates learn a vocabulary and symbol system for electrical work. Tey "learn to read, interpret, and discuss electrical codes and perform numerous calculations related to them," (112). They think and talk their way through various scenarios. Marcus states that this "gives you what you need to analyze and think ahead,"(113).
Mike watches as Marcus and his classmates troubleshoot problems. They look and form hypothesis, then they have to test their theory. He also notes that students will trim wiring or move wiring around because "it looked ugly" (115). Lastly, Mike states that "every student hastheir own signature" (115).

What is Work? Teresa Fiorenza

I believe work is something that you need to put constant effort into and use your brain, yet you need to enjoy it.

I asked three people what their definition of work was.

Mom: Something that you need in order to buy the things you want and to maintain a household.
Brother: Work is something that you need to do in order to make money
Aunt: It's one of the things in life that is constantly changing, which means you need to always be on top of your game and always putting your best in.