Letters to the Editor

Unexpected victories

Nov 1, 2007 1:56 PM

To the Editor:

I started subbing as a paraprofessional at PS 114 Ryder Elementary in District 18 on Sept. 10. The first week I was placed with an average 2nd-grade class. However, by week two I was moved to another 2nd-grade class with kids who are slow learners and extremely hyperactive. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, I can’t seem to get enough of these kids.

There is one boy who thinks he can do what he wants when he wants and, ironically, he seems to be the one child who has fully captured my heart.

Another child, a girl, refuses to even participate in class work and class activities. One day recently, I was being stern with her and explaining the kind of behavior that is expected of her at school — and she did not give me the time of day.

I paused, thought for a while, and then told her a story of when I was a little girl and my four older sisters would often boss me around, causing me to feel sad. Out of nowhere she started telling me that she has five siblings and that her family was going to move to Staten Island. I told her I felt sad to hear that, since she has now become my new friend. She was extremely startled to hear me call her friend and I was amazed at the smile that reconstructed her face.

That evening, I came home feeling like I had just won the lottery.

Heather Browne, per diem para, District 18