November 12, 2009

There’s Always One

It happens every semester so I should expect it, but it doesn't bother me any less when it does happen. Today, one of my student's sealed his fate. He skipped his speech after I had already given him special permission to give it late. Students must complete all speeches in order to pass the class. He was already in trouble.

On Tuesday, he stood up for a story-telling activity with another girl in class and told his story, of being coddled in high school and doing well and then coming to college, drinking too much and "smoking too much pot." During his impromptu story, he talked of a teacher who tried to get him back on track (that would be me), and although I've been able to see those kids through and help them on some occasions, this time it's too late, and I am so disappointed.

I don't know why I allow the one kid in class like this to bother me so much, but they always do. It is such an amazing thing to be able to help a student through a rough patch and get back on the right track. I did it when I taught high school and I did it last year at the college level too. I just think some kids aren't ready to be "reached" yet. He's clearly one of them.

These university students share so much information with me that they're not sharing with their parents. I had one student write about her rape, something she's kept from her parents for years. I've had others talk about their drug and alcohol use and abuse, and it's heartbreaking and frustrating. It's not high school. There's no guidance counselor to enlist to help. I've contacted advisors from time to time, but when all is said and done, there is little I can do beyond what I'm already doing, listening, being available, and offering to help whenever I can.

In just three weeks, the semester will be wrapping up, and as of January, I'll have a new group of students. I'm sure there will be at least one that does this to me yet again.