Paul, though not his real name, was a favorite student of mine. Always smiling and singing. He was a teen when he came into my work program for kids with special needs. Some teachers told me he’d never work out in our program because of too many behaviors. But I found him to be a delight. He worked first volunteering then I placed him in a job at McDonalds where he flourished. Then he worked in a grocery store. When we’d have the breakfast each year to honor our employers and places that let the kids learn job skills, Paul would sing his thank you. Each student had to get up and say thank you to their boss or supervisor.
One day Paul and I were alone driving to a job site. The radio was on and I always had country music on as there are no swear words. The kids grew to love the music. As we drove along Paul and I sang along with the song. He said to me, “Mrs. Sharpe, I like you. You’re nice to me! ” “I like you too Paul, I replied. “Thank you because you’re nice too.” That was years ago but the last I heard Paul was married and had two jobs
. Pretty great for the kid who might have not been in the work program. You see, with my students. I never gave up!