My second period is an enigma to me. I have three boys. One says literally nothing, even if I help him figure out the answer, he freezes when I ask to speak aloud. Another boy refuses to put his pencil down, I'm impressed by his work ethic, but because he's always working, he doesn't listen to to directions and works in the wrong direction. My this boy is a teacher's dream, he works from the time he enters class to the time he leaves, he raises his hand, he does his homework, all the things I want all my kids to do. In the same class with three boys, I have 9 girls. All of who, combined, say no more than 20 words a class period. Outside of class, the girls are talkative and sweet and I know they're so smart, but they are absolutely the quietest things I've ever seen.
In the mix of girls, there's one who, until today, was particularly enigmatic to me, Viviana. Vivi has never given me any problems, but she also hasn't seemed overly invested in my class. She inconsistently does her homework, isn't enthusiastic to answer my questions, and occasionally rolls her beautiful brown eyes at me when I ask her to change her behavior. About a month ago, my school moved me from 8th grade reading to 6th grade reading for two weeks. Per this change, I taught Viviana's brother in sixth grade. He and I got along really well and I have an inkling that he may have put in a few good words on my behalf.
When I returned to 8th grade reading, Vivi was a different student. She started doing her homework almost every night, she raised her hand more often, when working in groups, she embodied the leader I expected her to be. One day, as she was leaving class, I pulled her aside and exalted her new attitude in class. I praised her for working so hard and a smile creeped across her face. I returned the smile, but really, I was wildly confused as to what brought on the change. I didn't think about it long. Shoot, I had a student working hard, I was happy.
Today, I was filling up my water bottle and Vivi, with her friends, approached me at the fountain.
Ms. in English, yo puss you as my role model.
What, sweetie?
In English, I put you as
Oh, you did? really Vivi? That's so sweet, thank you so much.
I had no idea Viviana even liked me. It turns out she admires me enough to write about me as part of a final assignment in English class. As she continued to lunch and I rushed to the bathroom, I thought about how incredible our little interaction was. She reminded me that we truly have no idea who we're impacting, who we're role modeling for. Today, Vivi taught me that loving is being cognizant of the fact that there's always someone watching, waiting for us to lead them. Perhaps quietly, but lead them nonetheless. I love my sweet Vivi.
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