read it, and the one word title earns itself) the whole piece lives inside the sentence about his words being guarded, that flips the label the adults hung on him in about eight words. One thing I would want. we never learn what taught Dereck to stand like that, and I understand the limits of writing about a real child, but a single line he says himself would put the reader in that room. and the ending shows what changed in him without showing whether anything changed around him, which is the harder question and the one worth a second piece. Ms T is drawn well, the restraint in her is why this works at all
I read the "Disrespect" article and it is beautiful. Every student has a unique set of skills and a patient teacher can bring out the best in each. I teach online to impoverished kids in India, on What's app, and I will make a note of the techniques you used in your interaction with this student. Thank you.
Hi Maria, this is a powerful story. My work is focussed on helping children understand their own minds: why they feel what they feel, how trauma shapes their reactions, how to pause before impulse becomes action, and how to build the judgment and resilience to choose differently.
I think my readers could benefit from your thoughts on my latest article which talks about how we can prevent kids like Derek from ending up in the criminal justice system.
The folders are the moment for me. He holds them a second before he starts, then taps every edge until it lines up. Nobody does that with paperwork they don't care about. Following for part 2.
So glad you caught that! And yes, that is so true. Thank you so much for reading and commenting…the plot definitely thickens in part 2. Appreciate you!
Really great piece Maria.. thank you. For me there was a sadness here for sure. For a person so young to be on high alert all the time and for the world that moves so fast that it misses who he really is. Seeing someone, understanding where their feet are planted takes curiosity and time, none of which the current world really affords. The teachers, caregivers, coaches, etc who make that time are such a gift. Really looking forward to part 2.
I really enjoyed the recontextualization throughout this piece. What initially appears to be a story about a “difficult” student slowly becomes something much deeper as the overlooked details come into focus. The moments before the outbursts, the small habits, and the quiet signs of who Dereck is beyond the label all completely change how we understand his actions.
I think that’s one of the most powerful things storytelling can do. It reminds us that the first explanation we create for someone is rarely the complete one. Sometimes understanding comes from being willing to stay curious a little longer. Looking forward to Part 2!
Reading this made me pause I'm sitting with a lot of mixed emotions right now, but your words feel like a gentle nudge in the right direction. Great writing 🥹
This is a great story Maria. It already shows how incomplete our first impressions of certain behaviors can be. The willingness to notice certain signals overlooked by everyone else is a skill that requires attention and awareness. You brilliantly wrote the piece in a way that keeps the reader curious without them jumping to conclusions. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you so much for taking the time read and to leave such a thoughtful response, with great feedback! Part 2 is out Wednesday and it definitely guides you that way. I hope you come back to read it. Appreciate you!
read it, and the one word title earns itself) the whole piece lives inside the sentence about his words being guarded, that flips the label the adults hung on him in about eight words. One thing I would want. we never learn what taught Dereck to stand like that, and I understand the limits of writing about a real child, but a single line he says himself would put the reader in that room. and the ending shows what changed in him without showing whether anything changed around him, which is the harder question and the one worth a second piece. Ms T is drawn well, the restraint in her is why this works at all
If only there were many Ms. T.
🥹🥹🥹 that made me tear up a bit. Thank you so much 🥹🥹🥹
This story is one of the few I have read so far that has actually kept me engaged. This is great!
Wow, that is such a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much! Part 2 will be out this Wednesday!
I read the "Disrespect" article and it is beautiful. Every student has a unique set of skills and a patient teacher can bring out the best in each. I teach online to impoverished kids in India, on What's app, and I will make a note of the techniques you used in your interaction with this student. Thank you.
Thank you so much Hema, I am honored by this compliment! I really appreciate you reading and responding with something so thoughtful.
Hi Maria, this is a powerful story. My work is focussed on helping children understand their own minds: why they feel what they feel, how trauma shapes their reactions, how to pause before impulse becomes action, and how to build the judgment and resilience to choose differently.
I think my readers could benefit from your thoughts on my latest article which talks about how we can prevent kids like Derek from ending up in the criminal justice system.
Wow! Thank you, what a compliment! I also appreciate the subscribe! I am heading over to your page now to take a look at your latest. Appreciate you!
💝
The folders are the moment for me. He holds them a second before he starts, then taps every edge until it lines up. Nobody does that with paperwork they don't care about. Following for part 2.
So glad you caught that! And yes, that is so true. Thank you so much for reading and commenting…the plot definitely thickens in part 2. Appreciate you!
This is deep, I am completely speechless but enlightened at the same time.
Thank you so much! That means the absolute world to me, you totally made my day :)
Really great piece Maria.. thank you. For me there was a sadness here for sure. For a person so young to be on high alert all the time and for the world that moves so fast that it misses who he really is. Seeing someone, understanding where their feet are planted takes curiosity and time, none of which the current world really affords. The teachers, caregivers, coaches, etc who make that time are such a gift. Really looking forward to part 2.
Thank you Peter, yes — it was so hard to watch everyone misunderstand him. Glad you are looking forward to part 2, the plot thickens :)
I really enjoyed the recontextualization throughout this piece. What initially appears to be a story about a “difficult” student slowly becomes something much deeper as the overlooked details come into focus. The moments before the outbursts, the small habits, and the quiet signs of who Dereck is beyond the label all completely change how we understand his actions.
I think that’s one of the most powerful things storytelling can do. It reminds us that the first explanation we create for someone is rarely the complete one. Sometimes understanding comes from being willing to stay curious a little longer. Looking forward to Part 2!
Wow, I am speechless! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and reflective comment, it means so much!
Yes, of course! Can't wait to read your other pieces as well! :)
Reading this made me pause I'm sitting with a lot of mixed emotions right now, but your words feel like a gentle nudge in the right direction. Great writing 🥹
Aww Tavisha, you are the kindest! I am so glad this moved you. Appreciate you reading and responding!
This is a great story Maria. It already shows how incomplete our first impressions of certain behaviors can be. The willingness to notice certain signals overlooked by everyone else is a skill that requires attention and awareness. You brilliantly wrote the piece in a way that keeps the reader curious without them jumping to conclusions. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Moe, really appreciate you reading and responding! Yes, that is totally what I was trying to capture :)
Thank you so much for taking the time read and to leave such a thoughtful response, with great feedback! Part 2 is out Wednesday and it definitely guides you that way. I hope you come back to read it. Appreciate you!
A testament to the power of paying attention. Bravo.