The 2007-2008 school year offered me many challenges in the classroom. My students have always acted like a mirror for me. They have brought out the best and worst in me. They have been my best teachers.
I had several students in my class which we refer to as “hard-to-handle.” Typically, I deal well with these students and they end up being my favorites (let’s be honest, all teachers have favorites). It seemed to me that I had more in this class than usual or they had just the right personality to get to me more than others have. One of those students’ was a boy I’ll name Dave.
Dave was a very energetic boy. He was cared for by his disabled grandfather. They lived in a rundown house with leaking a leaky roof that wasn’t well insulated. It wasn’t the best place for a child to be living. He basically took care of himself at 10 years old. When he came to school Dave was usually not bathed or groomed. He had a certain smell that could make you gag. Dave’s clothes were always dirty and torn. What always got me were his fingernails. His nails were so dirty that his cuticles were infected. I did what I could to help him. The nurse let him bathe in the mornings if he arrived early. The social worker would help Dave get new clothes or wash the ones he wore.
What broke my heart the most was the look in his eyes of a loss of childhood, a loss of innocence. Dave’s anger was fierce. Along with the help of other teachers and some administrators we worked on a plan to help him learn to deal with his emotions. Dave was making a lot of progress which also helped his academics. Then one day he moved.
I found out that he moved to my friend’s school. She kept me up-to-date with his progress. Then I got word that Dave’s grandfather died. I worried about who would take care of him.
I got to see Dave when I went to visit my friend at her school. She had me hide behind the door while she pulled him out on the pretense that he was in trouble. Then she said, “This woman wants to speak to you.” She stepped out of the way. He squealed my name and just about tackled me.
I wanted to cry. Dave was about a foot taller, well groomed and clean---even his nails! His eyes gleamed with the innocence of a child. He passed his TAKS test and was doing well in class. Dave said he was now living with his aunt. Thank you Dave’s aunt. I’ve never met you but I think you’re wonderful.
Seeing Dave doing well made all the stress, pain and hard work of that year worth it. Just as Dave has been changed by that year so have I. We are both better for knowing each other. We definitely have someone greater to thank for the work He did in us and will continue to do in the years to come.
I love you Dave! Keep up the good work. Thanks Ms. Kelley for all you’ve done.
