Positive Post Tuesday: Mina

Introducing Brody's Positive Post Tuesday.

Well, if all of the bloggers I read keep this up, I'll never have to think for myself again! :)

I actually love the idea of this, because as much as I love blogging, I know it has influenced me negatively in the past...particularly posts that ask me to think too much! :)

Today, I'd like to tell you about a student of mine. I teach adults reading improvement and language acquisition. I say teach, but really it's more like coach. Constructivist learning, baby! Anyway...

Most of these students are a good bit older than me, speak a language other than English as their primary language, and have felt nothing but ashamed of themselves for the way they read all of their lives. Each new student means a load of new issues to sort through, and I have to admit I don't always feel like I have a lot of patience. And frankly speaking, neither do they.

But this student, Mina, has been nothing but wonderful her entire time in the program. She always works hard. She always puts forth 100 percent effort. She always treats me with respect. She is gentle and teachable. She has been a pure delight to have in the program.

Today, we tested her for graduation and I'm sorry to say she failed rather miserably. But she doesn't want to give up. She wants to keep going until the goal is reached and that is admirable to me. As is her grace under pressure from supervisors and co-workers.

She's a brilliant example of perservering through adversity. I only wish all of my students were like her.