Impact

Today was a good day...in the midst of the crazy school day one simple discussion with a student confirmed my reason for being an educator.

Charles called across the hallway to me as I was headed to take my place in the hall for lunch duty. "Ms. Jordan...." and I simply responded with, "Charles how are you?" I was completely unaware of what would be the answer to this question. This goofy grin appeared on his face. He said, "Ms. Jordan do you know that today is a month since school started?" I responded with a quick yes, and thinking to myself of course I know exactly how long it had been and wondering at the same time what point he was trying to make. He then said, "I have not been in trouble once this year and this has been the longest I have ever went in school at any level without being suspended. You taught me so much last year. I have a 110 in Geometry because of you." Talk about catch me off guard.

So a little of the back story, Charles had me last year and he isnt exaggerating with the fact that he constantly found trouble. I pulled Charles aside one afternoon and simply asked him what he wanted out of life and high school, what his goals were after he graduated. He told me he wasnt sure and that he hadnt given it much thought. It didnt matter he would probably drop out. I had no idea that day the impact I was making by simply showing interest in his life. He suddenly changed his work ethic in my class, not complete perfection, but he pulled it together and passed my class. He wasnt suddenly an angel or a perfectly behaved student, but I saw progress.

Before today...Charles had said hello or waved at me in passing in the hallway but that is not uncommon from my students. It shocked me the excitement and pride he had in himself. He shows only this tough exterior, and suddenly his punk rock bad boy image complete with anarchy symbol earings melted away and he showed me simply himself. His pride and new found success looked so good on him...he just had a joy that I never got a glimpse of before today.

This and soley this is why I want to teach....It isnt about Algebra that is for sure.

I thank God for showing me how he works daily and the impact my every movement and discussion can have on those around me. I pray that Charles doesnt lose that self-worth and pride, and that I or others can continue to push him to see his potential.