Friday, December 16, 2011

Watching Success


If you see the same thing happen over and over again, you expect the same thing to continue and it’s easy to assume that it will, rather than having an open mind. Sometimes it’s hard for people to accept change, even when it’s positive.

Last week there was a fight in Ryan’s class. Ryan didn’t start the fight and wasn’t even a participant, but in his efforts to get out of the way he jumped out of his seat quickly and caused a table to hit another student. Ryan’s teacher automatically assumed the table was thrown on purpose. Ryan was reprimanded and sent to the principal’s office for disruptive behavior. Luckily, one of our interns was in the classroom and saw the entire incident happen. She vouched for Ryan’s good behavior and the entire situation being an accident. Ryan’s name was cleared.

What was even more astounding was Ryan’s reaction and maturity in the situation. He knew he did not cause the chair to fall on purpose, yet he was still very concerned for the other student and regretful that she was injured. Ryan has progressed a lot, thanks to Partnership with Children’s help. From a disruptive child who refused to engage with other students, he has now gained empathy and matured and became a respectful, caring young man. It is breakthroughs like this that makes me love being a social worker.