There is always one

I believe that every teacher has that one student they feel they must save. Why you must save that kid, you aren't really sure but there is a strong conviction inside of you to do whatever it takes to make a lasting impression. Naturally, I have found that student. One of my boys is a very bright kid who has had the unfortunate experience of being written off due to the way he handles problems. In the past, he has been known for having a temper, not being compliant, and leaving class without permission. When I first met him, something about his personality drew me to him. I had been told things about him prior to but I was not able to put the two together because of the young man that he presented himself to be. In my class, he works pretty hard (everyone has their moments) and is very respectful. He had some incidences with a few other people in the school and that is how I learned that he had a great deal of respect for me. All the former things about him would flare up on other people but never with me. I think my approach with my kids has a lot to do with how I gain their respect. I'm firm but I am not over the top and I tend to do things consistently. One day, he was caught passing notes and writing in my class during a time where he shouldn't. I took the old school approach and took what he was writing. Later, I read what he had. It was probably one of the most depressing and victimizing things I had ever read. He wrote with so much passion but I wasn't sure if the note was about him, someone he knew, or something he had recently/previously experienced. Instead of chastising him (because there was quite a bit of profanity) I encouraged him to keep writing because of his writing ability and to not censor himself. Afterwards, he began to show me more and more pieces as he creates them. He missed school for an entire week. Rumor had it that he had transferred and I was extremely concerned. Our school climate is set up for student success and avoidance of distractions. His temper and attitude would have him God knows where living or dead. He came back to school today and I couldn't be any happier. He listens to my advice and takes my criticism well. I just hope I can see him off to college and into a life that is not so gloomy and downtrodden.