About 10 years back we got a new student - 8 year boy, just arrived from Vietnam. The family was living with their cousins in a home down the street from school. Funny looking kid, kind of gawky, mismatched clothing and an eagerness to learn such as I've rarely seen. He took to the library, to the books and to Accelerated Reader like a duck to water. He started out with Go Dog Go. By time he graduated from the 5th grade he was devouring Harry Potter. He loved computers too -the two of us learned PowerPoint together. He was one of those kids you always remember and go out of your way to give extra help and encouragement. .
Some of the cousins were younger so I'd see him from time to time at school events and we kept in touch. Two years ago he showed as a volunteer via his High School service group.
He's a senior now, graduating in May. Applying to Yale, Harvard, Sanford and Rice. I know his parents, his family, his natural ability and his work ethic are mostly responsible for the fine young man he's become. But I like to think I helped a little bit too.
5 comments:
Thanks for a wonderful, uplifting, true story.
It's stuff like this you remember when you wonder why you do what you do, isn't it?
You helped more than a little!
Makes the early mornings and long days you posted just before this lovely tribute worth it, doesn't it?
glad you are back...congrats on all the great finds
Awesome!
Of course you helped! What a sweet, inspiring story.
Am loving the Flat Stanley posts, by the way.
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