boys becoming men

i teach at a pretigious school
one that takes pride in the colleges their graduates move on to attend,
one that loves competition, whether intellectual or physical
one that tauts honesty, respect and courage as trademarks of their community

and while most of the study body exemplifies some of these characteristics, i still can't get some of my students to do their friggin homework,
or to take notes during class,
or to not be disrespectful.

these students are at risk of being kicked out of school.

they know this, but don't quite understand it.

it is frustrating to care more about a student's progress and success more than they do. to put so much thankless energy into helping someone who doesn't want your help...
until one day they do.

something clicks. they care,
or they suddenly become interested and engaged,
or maybe they just grew up enough to realize that sometimes it's important to do even the shit you don't want to do.
maybe by doing it, something else will be revealed.
whatever it is, it's awesome to watch it happen.