“Teach kids to choose the right path, and they’ll stay on it when older.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
The teacher begged for more time to work with him… to help
shift his focus, to show Mateo that someone actually gave a damn. He had the
classic troubled childhood background that gave him little chance of succeeding
in life.
Mateo’s mom was
chronically ill from drug addiction, his father but a distant memory. At 17, he
was alone – emotionally, financially, and academically. He wasn’t a high school
dropout yet. But his failing grades and labels like “unfocussed, rebellious,
and loser” had already begun to define him, steering him toward a dismal future
many assumed was inevitable.
The principal argued that the teen had cycled through every
program the district offered kids like Mateo. Mrs. Farley, his teacher, made a
strong case for giving Mateo another chance - and won.
Farley stayed
late, listened longer, and showed up consistently. She focused on trust before
instruction, encouragement before correction. Together, they identified areas
for improvement, set realistic goals, and slowly built the mindset Mateo needed
to make confident changes.
In time, Farley noticed some encouraging progress. Mateo’s
attendance, attitude, and social skills improved. Other teachers
noticed increased participation, steadier grades, and a boy who was finally
beginning to engage.
Mateo had never
known this kind of attention. It should have come from home, but like millions
of young people, he was desperate for just one dependable adult. Then, without
warning, Mrs. Farley left the school due to a family health emergency. The
following semester, she learned Mateo had quit school and never returned.
Had she left too
soon? Was it naïve to believe her presence could have made a lasting
difference? She would never know—and the unanswered questions stayed with her. Now, she’d never know.
“Mateo, how are you?” she asked, bracing for bad news.
“I’m
doing great!” he beamed. “Mrs. Farley, come meet my friends.” She followed,
expecting to hear about struggles rather than success.
“Sarah, Brandon, Jess,” he began, “this is my favorite teacher from high
school, the one I told you about. She was the inspiration for me to become a
drug and alcohol counsellor. Mrs. Farley proved that it takes the faith and
kindness of one person to give someone the confidence to change.”
He nodded towards his friends. “Now I try to be that
person for everyone I work with.”
Programs don’t
change kids—relationships do. Peers influence teen identity. But relationships
with caring adults form the building blocks for all future relationships. They
model belief, hope, and consistency. Don’t miss your opportunity to be one of them!
Father God, You’ve entrusted us with the privilege and responsibility of being
Godly role models. Lead us as we walk humbly with You, dependent on Your
strength working through us. Amen
