What I am proud of

In the past week I had a former student, one who was difficult to say the least, approach me and want to talk. As we talked I asked about his summer activities and if he was still participating in the band. He told me that he is not in the band anymore, and I replied with a "why not"?

He then proceeded to tell me over the summer that his father had passed away from heart failure. His response caught me somewhat off guard. I told him I was very sorry to hear about his dad, and asked how he and his mother were doing. He told me that he missed his dad and followed that with another comment that caught me off guard. He told me that he was enrolled in my second semester class, but he would not be a behavior issue next semester as he had been in the previous class. He explained further, stating that he had thought about the way he acted out in class. He told me that he realized he was wrong to do so, and that he appreciated the way that I had been "tough" on him. He said that he realized that his behavior was unacceptable and that my being firm with him was a good thing for him.

After losing his father he remembered my telling him that facing adversity makes people stronger and helps prepare the person for life. He said when he remembered that, he realized that he had to get stronger and help not only himself through the death of his father, but his mother also. He said that he realized he needed to grow up and be a man. Once he realized what he needed to do, he said things became easier for him. He still misses his dad, but realizes that his dad would want him to be strong and be the man he should be.

I gave him a pat on the back and told him that I was very proud of him and I looked forward to having him in class. I am proud of him, he realized that he couldn't be a boy all of his life, and that tomorrow is important and he must be ready. This kid will be a leader next semester and he will excel.