Current Student Stories
Last year a 13 year old African American female with lead poisoning walked through our doors spiitin’ mad and spittin’ fire. At her previous school she would hide in the corner and cry because she was scared of the other kids. Last year she was an incredible challenge – she was mean spirited to herself and others, was loud, defiant, had more office referrals than anyone else in Learning Inc. history (she had her very own office referral binder), and just did not want to be here. The student told Billy that “I hope you die so I can spit on your grave.” There were many times that I felt Learning Inc. was not the right place for her and I would have been happy for her to leave. However her mother said she wanted her child to stay because she noticed improved behavior at home. This year the student is back…and much to everyone’s surprise has so far set a great example for the new students.
Three years ago a 15 year old African American female who had been out of school for two years came to us. She was a quiet and respectful young lady who had been severely beaten and sexually assaulted on her way home from school. Not surprisingly she struggled with feelings of depression and isolation and was quiet and reserved at Learning Inc. BUT we all saw the positive changes that she made. By the end of her second year she was an active participant in class discussions and Learning Inc. social events. She is now one of our older students chronologically and developmentally and is maturing into a well rounded young adult, and we are proud of her.
Right before the holiday break a student walked off with one of our laptops – she came back from break and tried denying that she took it but then admitted that she had. We told her that she must have really needed that laptop and if she needed it that badly she could keep it and either pay for it or work it off. She decided to bring it back – promised she would do that the next day. We didn’t see her for 3 weeks – we called and said we would not call the police as long as she returned to school and she finally did – with her mom and the laptop. We had a long conversation about trust, betraying it and how to earn it back. Her attendance has been good ever since…not perfect but good. She comes in and gives me a hug in the morning.