One Student. One Story.

A couple weeks ago, word reverberated down the hall and into my classroom that we had received a “new student”. Most of the time, the phrase “new student” refers students who have been transferred as a result of bad behavior from another school. But this time it was different…Jessica's head of dirty blonde hair does not yet reach above my shoulder. Her brown eyes and sweet freckles accompany her authenticity.

The first day I met Jessica, her quiet demeanor and politeness took me by surprise. Having been at this middle school now for 8 months, I unfortunately had become quite desensitized to authentic respectfulness. Somehow she was placed in the loudest class with the most dominant girls in the grade. It was apparent that the class did not know what to do with Jessica or how to treat her. They seemed to flip flop between respect for her and feeling threatened by her. Anytime she spoke up in class, they rolled their eyes or jumped on her with aggressive remarks.

Surprisingly, unlike most sweet little girls thrown into a completely new culture and tough environment, Jessica held her own. Though her face might have acquired little red splotches, she would genuinely put the other students in their place with firm rebuttals, or humbly ignore them and focus on her work.

Battling my own way through this environment, I have watched Jessica do the same. She is a strong girl and a firm believer. Talking to her I have sensed her wisdom beyond her years. She is strong and determined, always clinging to hope. Even on the days I see tears in her eyes, her words are faithful and she believes things will get better. Today she wrote me a letter in response to a long note of encouragement I shared with her after a tearful day:

“To: Miss Pitts

From: Jessica

Dear Miss Pitts,

        You are right. I do have to look on the bright side. School is almost out and I am going to North Dakota for the summer!! So I will have a lot of fun. And I will also get new ideas to get me through next year. I always want to cry when I talk about going because I am so excited!!! And sometimes I do feel like some people see the way I treat the teachers and students. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know that will get me nowhere. When the kids are mean to me I just think of the summer.

Love, Jessica”

I saw myself in this sweet little girl today and she brought me comfort. Thank you, heavenly Father, for delighting in me and gifting me with encouragement through the sweet and innocent love of your children. May we continue seeking you in the little things every day.