It’s only a myth

My eighth-grade math teacher wrote in my year book, “Continue as you are you’ll get nowhere.” That seemingly insignificant message had a large impact on me, but not right away. Not surprising, as I was just a paltry “middle schooler” at the time and my interpretation of his assertion was, “He is just mean!”

As I matured and found my direction in life, that insignificant message slid from my subconscious into awareness, leading me to where I am now. I don’t think that math teacher will ever know the impact his words have had on the way I see my students.

When friends, and sometimes strangers, ask me what I do, I confess I am a teacher. Naturally, they ask what grade I teach and at that point I brace myself for their mythical, sympathetic — and yet common — response when I tell them I teach middle school.

“I don’t know how you can put up with all those raging hormones, selfish behaviors and disrespectful attitudes. You’re a saint!”

Am I? Really?

Every year these kiddos prove the myth that surrounds middle school students is just that— a myth. This year in particular, members of our school community have faced some serious challenges that have been met with amazing acts of selflessness, compassion and desire to make a difference for those in need. And some may find it surprising to know it was students leading the charge to make it happen. All they needed was an opportunity to show what they are capable of doing.

One family in particular is facing a long stay at Seattle Children’s Hospital for treatment of bone cancer. It took no time for a fellow classmate to ask me what they could do to raise money for that family. I shot some ideas at them that included an idea for selling links made of construction paper students or teachers could purchase and we would send the proceeds to the family. From there other students gave ideas and before we knew it, the suggestion to write notes to their classmate on the links and sending this healing chain to him was born. The generosity poured from the hearts of these kids, melting mine!

That was only the beginning. Students arranged fund-raising at local businesses on the weekends, made cards and established regular communication with the family through a hospital website. Several have even gone to Seattle to visit them. But when students found out about a fund-raiser to create awareness and raise money for cancer research, almost every member of our school community contributed to the effort in some way.

Students were throwing the cushions off couches, probing the dark, mysterious corners to find that elusive coin to add to the coffer; hanging up recognition signs, counting coins (lots and lots of coins), or emotionally supporting the efforts of their peers. So many were eager to help in any way they were able. At times, I had so many kids asking if they could help collect donation boxes or count money that it made for very quick work! And when all was said and done our school community raised more than $2,300 for cancer research and the family. There is nothing selfish about that.

I am grateful to my middle school math teacher. His words have helped me better understand my students.

Am I a saint? No, I am a teacher, and I become a better teacher every year because of those middle schoolers.

Patricia A. Kohut teaches Language Arts at Houston Middle School.