"Middle School is tough. No one understands the things that you go through or struggle with. I had major behavior issues before joining Ms. Fernandez’s life skills class.  I was known as the “bad kid.” No one wanted to deal with me. Most teachers discounted my efforts when I tried to improve as a student. Sometimes I just wanted to give up. One of my counselors suggested I join Ms. Fernandez’s class. At first, I was skeptical. I heard about this lady from my friends. Who was she? Who was this lady who inspired kids and lifted us?  I had never seen someone who cared about kids as much as she did.  She even cared about me! I couldn’t believe it. I told her that I was a bad kid. She said, “No, kids are not bad; they are just misunderstood.” Wow! I couldn’t believe it. 

 

She didn’t think I was as bad as everyone else suggested in my life. I was really smart, but I chose not to apply myself in school. I was too embarrassed to tell Ms. Fernandez I had Fs in every class, but she already knew.  She never judged me or called me out directly. However, one day she told the entire class that we are not mediocre students, and therefore none of us should settle for mediocre grades; C’s represented mediocrity. From that day forward, Ms. Fernandez changed my life. I am now a straight-A student, my behavior dramatically improved and I am more confident than ever. Ms. Fernandez, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving your students as if they were your own children. I will never forget you. When I become a man, I hope there are people to celebrate all of my accomplishments because I know if I had never met you, I would not be who I am."

 

– Cameron M., Middle School Student