One Student at a Time

Last weekend I was cleaning out closets and drawers to find some things for the rummage sale we're having on March 21st.  I found a few things that I don't wear anymore, but I thought instead of using them for the rummage sale I would give them to one of my students.  Her home life has been pretty rough lately, and I noticed she often wears really baggy, inconspicuous clothes - almost as if she is trying to be invisible.  She is such a sweet student so it's frustrating to see her going through this crap that she doesn't deserve.

So Monday morning I took her a Vera Bradley bag (thanks Mom!) full of clothes, jewelry and makeup.  One of the coaches at the school has brought her a backpack full of clothes before, so when she came in I just said, " Hey, there's a bag for you over there."  I think she just assumes it too is from him.  Well, yesterday she walked in carrying the Vera Bradley bag and wearing a shirt, necklace and pair of earrings from the bag.  I had to go sit behind my computer to try to keep my composure; I just wanted to cry.  Today she was wearing a different shirt and pair of earrings from the bag.  While many moments of teaching are difficult and frustrating, moments like these remind me how much I love my job.  One student at a time.