The semester was filled with frustrating stories...students fighting in the middle of class, walking out and slamming doors, demonstrating attitudes reflective of deep hurt and anger. Each day seemed like a battle - a battle where the goal was just to survive the day! Then the last day of the semester a note was given to me by a student I will call "Kelly".
Kelly was one of my best students - smart, polite, diligent, obedient...the kind of student every teacher would like to have. So when I intercepted a note she had written, I was shocked to discover the highly inappropriate language and content of the note. I decided to show the note to a trusted colleague hoping to get some advice on how to handle the situation. This particular colleague laughed when she read the note and said, "Oh, she's not old enough to even know what she is writing about...just forget about it. Give her a warning or something, but I don't think you need to contact her mother."
I knew enough to know that if my child had written this note, I would have wanted to know about it! I brought Kelly into my room and told her that I was going to have to call her mom. After begging me not to and shedding a few tears, she stormed out of the room, not agreeing with the standard I had set. The next afternoon I had a very direct conversation with her mother. She appreciated our meeting and promised that she would talk to Kelly when she got home. I wondered what Kelly's actions would be like the next day. Would her silent treatment toward me continue? Had my decision given her an attitude of resentment that would continue throughout the year?
It was the last day before winter break. I saw her coming down the hall toward my classroom. She had no smile on her face and it appeared as though she was going to just walk right past me upon entering the room. However, before she came through the door, she handed me a note, smiled from ear to ear, and said, "Thanks so much."
I read the note after school and cried.
"I just wanted to tell you thank you for telling my mother. I know that one of my teachers might not have told her. I was pissed off at you about telling her because I was afraid of what she might say or do to me. I felt so relieved when you told her and it was all over. I appreciate you telling my mom because it shows that you really care about me and my life. I thank you again for just caring about me as much as you do. My mom also said thank you. We had a GREAT TALK last night. Sincerely, Kelly"
What touched me the most about her note was the last sentence. Many of these kids do not have the opportunities to connect with their parents on a deeper level. My heart's desire was for them to connect as mother and daughter.
To me, the note represented a child's heart to be cared for, even if it hurt. Many students would not have risen to the standard, but she did. And if the standard made a difference for her, isn't that enough?
Welcome!
Welcome to the Freedom Foundation “blog” – a place to read everyday stories from everyday people who volunteer for the Freedom Foundation. These are the stories that are the life of the events, programs and efforts of the Foundation.
Some people criticize us for the faith we have that makes us believe we can make a difference. Others ridicule the idea that change is possible. But it is stories like these that you read below and then thousands of others that remind us that making a difference in just one person’s life is worth it.
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.
If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down,
picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…
“I made a difference for that one.”
These are our “Starfish Stories”.
Some people criticize us for the faith we have that makes us believe we can make a difference. Others ridicule the idea that change is possible. But it is stories like these that you read below and then thousands of others that remind us that making a difference in just one person’s life is worth it.
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.
If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down,
picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…
“I made a difference for that one.”
These are our “Starfish Stories”.
