About 7 years ago, a young man came into my classroom and did not impress me favorably at all.  In fact, I came to dread seeing his face.  I was disturbed that he was so difficult to like, and I wondered how I could possibly help him.

 

He had some disgusting habits that were a definite turn off.  He was pretty bright and articulate, however, so I had to deal with his cleverness also.  One of his mothers often wept at the meetings we had - she felt that her son had been passed over and misunderstood for too long.  And they called for lots of meetings - lots of times!

 

I like to think that I am professional enough to overcome inherent dislikes and to give every student what he or she deserves.  So I kept trying to see the best in him.  I tried to praise every good thing he did - which did happen occasionally.  I tried to ignore lots of what he did and said that was so odious.

By 7th grade, he was receiving fewer services because he really was bright enough for general ed classes when he was willing to work at it.  I only had him for Study Skills.  And by 8th grade, he had "earned" the right to an elective, so he was only on watch and consult.  I recall waving to him at promotion  and wishing him well.  That fall, a teacher who had seen him at summer school reported to me that he seemed to be a changed boy - he was actually acting like a regular kid.  I was glad to hear that he seemed to be doing so well.

I heard nothing more until today when I received a high school graduation announcement in the mail.  It was sent to Mrs. Barbara Terrill care of Clifton.  The boy and his family had moved to Northern California.  By the looks of the graduation photo that was enclosed he is doing very well.

Sometimes you just never know.