2 Years & 9 Weeks Later...

Some days can be pretty depressing seeing challenges students and teachers face.  I think that was one of the greatest ah-has I had being back on a campus full-time.

When I became an AP, I vividly recall meeting a student who had a "reputation".  After my first encounter with him, it was easy to see why many perceived him as challenging--throwing chairs, pushing tables, trying to hide inside a cabinet, and using language I had not expected from a student that age!  However, since I never had the opportunity to work with someone so challenging, I knew this would be an opportunity for growth and lots of learning for me, and hopefully for him too!

Over the last two years, our relationship grew to new levels.  He knew he could trust me and share anything with him.  He knew I would listen to him and help him, but he also knew when he messed up he would be held accountable.  I enjoyed learning about his passion for football and went and watched him play.  We had many football conversations and related many incidents in class to lessons learned on the football field--good thing I know a thing or 2 about football!

So fast forward 2 years and 9 weeks later--Today I had a meeting with his parents to celebrate his successes!  He is so on track--no behavior incidents and awesome grades.  It makes me so proud to see him being so successful in class and interacting with his peers in a positive way.  He has awesome teachers that are helping him succeed.  His parents are 100% behind his success as well.  He is super-smart, but this will be the first-time he will make honor roll.

So when the meeting ended, mom shared a moment with me that made me get teary-eyed.  She had made some phone calls to find out how to recognize an administrator.  She knew teachers were recognized for their outstanding efforts, but she wanted me to be recognized as well.  She said I was the first person her child had trusted.  She wanted everyone to know how I did everything I could to help her child be successful.  Mom and I were not always on the same page about her son, so that made this even more meaningful.

So when I have days that make me depressed and feel like I'm spinning my wheels but getting nowhere, I will always remember this day and the story of my special friend!