Success Story

I received a message on Facebook a couple of days ago from a co-worker and close friend from Texas. She was out shopping with her son and when she was checking out, the boy behind the counter asked if she knew who he was. Once he told her, my friend knew. This boy was hard to forget.

He was in my class my first year of teaching. As soon as the principal saw his name on my list, he came to my room to warn me. This student had never made it through a year without being sent to alternative school. Never.

On the first day of school, I saw him coming. I didn't even have to ask his name. He was just what the principal described, but I put everything I was told out of my mind. I used him as my helper on the first day of school to keep him busy. I continued to do so for the first week of school. I eventually ran out of things for him to help with and the trouble began.

I wasn't going to give up on this kid, so I reached out for help from the counselor, reading specialist, my husband, anyone who was willing to help. We eventually discovered that this kid was smart. Really smart. So, I pushed him. And, guess what? He made the Honor Roll for the first time at the end of the year.....that's right. He was still in my class at the end of the year!

On the last day of school, I was happy and sad to see him walk out my classroom door, and I have always wondered what he was up to. And whether or not his 5th grade year made a difference.

This student was the boy behind the counter from the Facebook message. The boy that is a senior in high school, who has been accepted to college and is majoring in marketing.

I cried when I read that message.

I have had a tough year. I was starting to forget why I ever wanted to teach. This message reminded me.....it's not about me. Or my salary. Or the hours put into my class.

It's about making a difference in the lives of my students.

Thank you, Birmo, for sending me that message. YOU made a difference in my life!!!!