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.
