Small signs you’ve made some kind of impact on a student
Warning: Profane language is about to ensue. The student’s name mentioned is not his actual name.
I had heard about him last year. One of the “notorious” disruptive students- always roaming the halls, entering random classrooms. He cursed at teachers. A lot. A “hello” in the hallway would usually get a response like “What the hell you want, motherfucker?” or “Bitch, shut the fuck up.” And that was just a greeting: nevermind if he was upset with you.
Last summer, I saw his name on my roster. Am I ready for this? I thought.The first time I met him was in the hallway, and I made him shake my hand.
This year has been a challenge. I have worked hard to try and develop a relationship with him, stay patient, and calm. I have always remained polite, even when I felt I was about to lose it.
I see him nearly every morning and say “Good morning, Alex.” He has never cursed at me in return. However, I had never gotten a response throughout the whole school year. He would just glare at me, or say “What.”
Last week- one of the few remaining weeks in the school year- I greeted him with the usual “Good morning, Alex.” He responded, “Good morning, Ms. D.” Is this some kind of fluke, or wild dream? I wondered.
This morning, I must have missed him in the hallway, so I did not greet him. Instead, he turned around after passing me and said “Oh hey, Ms. D!”
