Skip to main content

“I trust you, Miss. I could talk to you.”


I can’t stop thinking about him.  He has a reputation as a gang-banger, yet I see something different in his eyes. I see a young man caught in a difficult situation. At school, I couldn’t stop thinking about the boy with so much potential in spite of his reputation. I had to do something. I wrote him a card expressing my belief in him. Shortly after giving it to him, he came to me upset because he had lost it without reading it. After a search, it was found and returned to him.

Due to a poor choice on his part, he found himself in In School Suspension today. I went to check on him during my prep period. After I helped him with a Social Studies assignment, he told me he was working on a writing assignment that I would not want to read. The piece came about after an activity in LA class that I had taught with Mr. Wilson. A drawing his neighborhood meant to get him thinking about possible stories. I assured him that I wanted to read it.  After reading it, I wanted to pull him into my arms for a great big hug for it was a story of guns, violence, and hardship.

Often he speaks through art. He has an eye for it. So much so that he was asked by a teacher who believes in him to design a cover for the yearbook. Included within the cover were messages of inspiration and hope. A glimpse into the young man we don’t get to see very often.

While walking with him in the hall, I asked if he had an adult he could talk to if he needed some guidance. His answer was no. I mentioned he should start thinking about someone he felt comfortable with. Someone he could go to if he needed some support or guidance.

“I trust you, Miss. I could talk to you.”

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 5, 2010 at 12:04 PM

    Mandie Keep up the good work you are doing with those students. You was sent there for a reason.
    You are helping them. You are such a great Mom and wife. I know that you and Tony are being tested but both of you are coming through with flying colors and one of these days you will be back together as a family. love you. miss you.
    Marguerite

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WABDR: Section 1

Section 1  We end at the beginning  Does it feel like this trip will never end? Epic adventures tend to last a bit longer than just an average one. So….on with our tale.  We got our bikes all packed up and continued over White Pass. The first time we went over it, it was a cloudy day. Thus, the visibility of the mountains was not much. I was expecting the same on our return trip to Packwood. Therefore, it took my breath away when I saw the mountain off in the distance for the first time. The beauty was so overwhelming, I teared up.    I continued to watch the mountain until I could see it no more. Soon we were in Packwood. Back where we started. After a quick breakfast at the local coffee shop, we were on our way. I may have taken a few minutes to ride the big bike first… Not too long though, because someone was ready to get moving.  Jennifer had some friends that were camping at Walupt Lake, which is right on the trail for Sectio...
Post a Comment
Read more

An Easter Lesson

I decided that this break I was going to stay home and spend the week doing things I have not done or haven't done in awhile. It all began Thursday night with Ballroom Dancing, which will continue on Monday and Thursday with lessons. Saturday, I bought a couple of new outfits. Today brought both something I hadn't done in awhile and something new. Today, I went to church which was pretty cool in itself. I went with someone I just met the day before. (I am sure that is no surprise to any of you who know me.) We made plans to meet up at church. It was different from any church I had been in before. The chairs were set up "in the round." There was no piano or organ to accompany our singing. People were in and out throughout the 90 minute service. No surprise, the place was packed. The service was your typical protestant service, minus the organ, of course. It had been awhile since my friend had been to church. Many in the congregation flocked to him at the end to gi...
Post a Comment
Read more

WABDR: Section 3

SECTION 3: The Washout “Do you ever just find yourself smiling real big because we are doing this?” I asked Jen. “No, I randomly start laughing when I think of you doing this trip.”  We chuckled about it a bit before taking a quick sidetrip to check out an old working saloon and segregated cemetery in Roslyn Kevin told us about.  There was a bit of asphalt to ride before getting back on the route. Eight miles on the freeway with a little 250cc can be nerve-wracking to say the least. Add 18-wheelers and RVs to the equation, and it is downright daunting. The speed limit was 70. My bike went 55 before it would start shaking.  Before too long, we were at our exit. Back to country roads. Wind in my face, music in my ear, my sister behind me, I was in top of the world. Add the incredible scenery. Joy was pouring out my every pore.  We pulled over to get photos of the bouquet for our eyes. Unfortunately, smell was the sense being accosted. Something s...
2 comments
Read more