It's The Little Things...

I have a struggling student in one of the adult education classes that I have been teaching. The student seems to always be at their frustration level, but at the same time they really want to make it through the G.E.D. program. I was fearful that this particular student might be so frustrated that they would give up their hope and discontinue the classes. As a teacher I took extra time to make sure this student did not reach that critical breaking point. Recently, my student came to class with a card that read:

Front: "Sometimes, on an ordinary day; someone kind and thoughtful comes along and colors a moment with generosity and caring."

Inside: "You're one of those special someones. Thanks."
     On a cut out piece of lined paper, the student writes: "Sabrina, I Just thought I would take sum time to thang you for all the time and thought you put in to are class. I have met a lot of lazy, uncaring asshole teachers in my life. So whin a good teacher like you Sabrina comes along I'm thankfal, and it gives me hope."

The cut out and lined paper combined with the spelling mistakes will remind me of the student's character.

I did not correct the mistakes for the purpose of the post; instead I am reminded of the struggling student who needs, and appreciates, the extra time and caring of their teachers. This is one of those moments that teachers are reminded that we are making a difference in our students' lives ... it's the little things that show us.