Tutoring in Anacostia- should I be worried? (Washington: travel, rent)

[DC resident]

orion,

u skirted the question. have you been to SE/Ancostia?

[orion1778]

Originally Posted by DC resident

u skirted the question. have you been to SE/Ancostia?

Yes. I have. As well as many similar neighborhoods in other big cities...

I'm sorry that the fact that I'm not gung-ho about hating on it is out of the norm with the consensus around here.

[DC's Finest]

DC resident,

Do you understand that people work in Anacostia on a daily basis and they get around safely? Your statement is a rash generalization!

[juniperbleu]

Ok, Anacosia = not the best area. Definitely keep your wits about you and an eye out. That said, people work in horrible, dangerous areas every day. My mother, aunts, and several friends have all worked in some of the worst areas of Philadelphia (teachers), and they have survived.

If you can, maybe you could contact one of the teachers at the school and ask about what would be the best way of getting there. It also might be a good idea to do a drive-through of your route, just to make sure you know exactly where to go and how to get there, so you're not wandering clueless on the street.

[DC resident]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

DC resident,

Do you understand that people work in Anacostia on a daily basis and they get around safely? Your statement is a rash generalization!

what statement was a rash generalization?

[5stones]

If you can, maybe you could contact one of the teachers at the school and ask about what would be the best way of getting there. It also might be a good idea to do a drive-through of your route, just to make sure you know exactly where to go and how to get there, so you're not wandering clueless on the street.

A pre-scout of the area...I do this all the time, I hate geting lost etc...

This is very good advice. Knowing where you are going and walking with the attitude that you belong etc... will get far in ALOT of places situations.

I would also recommend that you contact the school to see if there are any other Tutors doing the smae thing maybe a few of you could meet along the metro line and walk together etc...

Telling you that as a white 18-19 year old girl walking by yourself in an area of the city that DOES have a high crime rate etc....that you wont stick out would not be true...you will be out of your element etc... so take natural precausions anyone would take.

Like others have said MANY people work there and the school is filled with rteachers and kids etc... Once you get a feel for the neighborhood and know your way around you'll be fine as long as you use "street smarts" etc...

[curtislm]

Hey,

I'm also a college student who is hoping to do some educational activities in schools in Anacostia this year. I also just got back from Kenya too, funny how that works. You should email me (curtislm@whitman.edu) if you want to try to go to Anacostia together or something

[lokahi]

Please be very, very careful. I used to work in Anacostia, and even the folks that live there know that it can be a dangerous place. Can you use a zip car for the afternoon or something like that? Blend in and don't be conspicuous. That may sound silly, but you don't want to be carrying a coach purse with fancy jewelry, listening to an iPod. Also, don't wear an iPod while you walk b/c you will want to hear everything around you. Keep on the lookout for ppl. following you. Don't look anyone in the eye - this is a direct threat and could get you in a lot of trouble. Also, there is alot of poverty in that area, and don't get caught staring at ppl., they'll get really upset. Be careful and best of luck to you....

[StillEvansDad]

Sometimes I feel like I am talking about people in a foreign land, but to be honest sometimes SE is like a foreign land.

as a 33 year old Black man who lived not to far from where you will be I will say, the majority of folks in SE are poorer working class folks who just mind there business and take care of themselves. The young people are a bit rough but even most of them are just kids doing what kids these days do. That being said I will say ALWAYS pay attention to your surrounding. Don't walk around oblivious to what is happening. Trust your instincts. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it’s most likely a duck. Don't try to be brave. Since you are tutoring, use some of the kids to tell you about what streets or neighborhoods to look out for. Sometimes they can actually give you some street cred ) "Hey man, leave the white girl alone. She aight". Its a great thing to help those less fortunate and I am a firm believer that God rewards those who help people who have the least. So I think you will be fine.

[53rdSEDCBOY]

Why do people always have to speak on SE like it is Iraq...you will be ok nobody is out to get you long as you mind your business and do your job you will see. People know who the teachers are and they are not a target 90% of the time. You will be aight trust.