i remember max...

I've had many jobs - restaurants, resorts, design studio, large corporation etc. etc.  Somewhere in this crazy mix is the job teacher.  Through a rather odd series of events, I was a 2nd  grade homeroom teacher  at a small private school here in Phoenix.  I was only there a few short months but I adored the children - adored them.  Second graders are lovely.  They are still excited to learn, they push their hands into the air, frantically wiggling and reaching for the sun as they plead with you to call their name for an answer.

I have not seen those children in 10 years.  They are in high school now and around this time of year, I think of them.  You can almost guess how they turned out because even as early as 2nd grade, people are marked.  There were the social butterflies, the outcasts, the athletes, the artists, the quirky ones, the struggling students, the little Einsteins and in my classroom, there was Max.  Red hair, freckles, thick bones, shirt half untucked, messy haired Max.  Prior to the start of school, I was given notes on Max - he already had a little bit of a reputation for trouble, possibly a bully.  I was a strict parent and a very strict, but I hope fun, teacher.  I was prepared for Max.  I thought I had his number.

to be continued tomorrow...