change a good thing

The Change
==========

It was another rough weather day. Buses weren't running because
of the road conditions. Buses cancelled meant no school.
The school of course, would still be open, but nobody ever went.

For most students, it was good news. Not for me, I had a huge
test coming up and hadn't brought home my textbook from the day
before. So, my dad drove me out to the high school.

"How long will you be, Carrie?" He asked.

"Ten minutes, I guess."

Those ten minutes brightened my day.

You see, my school has a pretty bad reputation for being the
school for 'druggies.' Our town not being very rich, most low-
income students find themselves at this high school, and the rep
for low income students is to smoke and party. Unfortunately,
most of the student body holds to this stereotype.

So as I made my way up to my locker, up the flights of stairs,
I heard some voices. As I neared my locker, I realized that
they were coming from the classroom directly by it. I passed
the class, not looking in and opened my locker.

"I really, really want to pass the exams though," said one
voice.

Hmm, I thought. At least some kids in my school care about
grades.

"And you will. I'm really going to try and pass this class.
I'm seeing an improvement already. And if you start studying
now, you'll be fine." This was an older male voice, probably a
teacher, I assumed.

I had my books. I closed my locker, turned, and saw whom the
voices belonged to.

A teacher and a student walked out of the class, still talking
about the exam. They didn't see me; they were enthralled in
their talk. I looked on, completely eyeballing the situation.

The student was Jeff!
Of all kids, Jeff was known as the worst. He'd had his run-ins
with the law; he was a tough guy. Him wanting to pass a test
seemingly was last on his list of priorities.

I continued gaping.
What I saw next was extremely out of the ordinary.

As Jeff and the teacher neared the hall, they shook hands.
Jeff smiled, and as if shaking hands with a teacher wasn't good
enough, he brought himself into a bear hug with him. It lasted
only two seconds, but I still saw it.

"Thanks, man. You're one awesome teacher," Jeff said.
The words were simple, but sincere. Jeff and the teacher split
up, going their separate ways.

I wanted to run after Jeff, to just hug him. I felt like I had
witnessed a miracle, but I didn't. I guess I was afraid I would
ruin the perfect moment.

The week went on, I had my test. I saw Jeff later on in the
halls. I even smiled at him. He didn't seem to have changed
around his friends, but change doesn't always take place in
front of our eyes.

Jeff and that teacher made me realize something I'd never
thought of before; you can't just stereotype a person because of
what they've done in the past.

At my school, where I thought everyone was doomed for drugs and
early pregnancies, there are teachers trying to help, trying to
get students back on their feet.

Next time you see someone, (whatever their age) and they look
like they need some help, be that person to be an aid, be that
person to get them back on their feet.

If a teacher could help Jeff, believe me, you can help someone,
too.
{author unknown}