But one of the biggest downs is when you can't help a student. When you see them self-destructing and they won't let anyone in to alleviate the self-inflicted trauma. They won't listen. They refuse to find a happier path. With students like this (which are few, thank goodness), I can hardly stand being a teacher. I feel powerless to teach, powerless to make a difference.
Teaching teenagers is a hot mess of finding self and making life-altering decisions and becoming the fascinating adults they long to become. I love being a teacher of teens even if it means I have to stand on the sidelines begging to be their cheerleader.
So true! Sometimes you just have to be the cheerleader and hope that they get it. Maybe not right away, but someday long from now they'll realize how someone was in their corner and they'll say a silent thank you- and somehow you will know.
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