Hats off to Jennifer

A few years ago when my mother was in the hospital briefly, I went to the nurses' station for a request of some sort. As usual, I introduced myself and learned the names of the nurses on duty. One said she had a daughter at the high school.

When she told me that her daughter's name was Jennifer ______, I immediately asked if Jennifer was ill. She hadn't been in English class that day. Within seconds, I realized that my good intention had revealed an unwelcome truth.

"She wasn't in class?" the nurse responded. "She was SUPPOSED to be in class."

"Oh-oh," I said. "I didn't mean to get her in trouble."

"Well, Jennifer and I will be having a talk," her mom promised. She didn't seem too surprised or terribly upset, but I was sure that I'd be hearing from Jennifer the next day for inadvertently spilling the beans.

Sure enough I did, but her reaction to being busted for truancy by Mom did surprise me. She actually took responsibility. She smiled about the incident and assured me she probably wouldn't be ditching school any more. Throughout my three decades of teaching, I seldom saw such a mature, honest reaction.

Jennifer loved my English class and even bought a copy of my book. She enjoyed coming to class and mentioning anecdotes she'd read. I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer, especially her warm and generous smile. She was an average student, but she aspired to achieve.

Two years ago Jennifer asked me to write a letter of recommendation to the University of Idaho. My job was to convince them that she should be accepted after they had rejected her initial application because of low test scores. I wrote the letter. I also gave her the old cheerleader pitch that I expected her to work hard and make it worth my time to go out on a limb for her. The university opened its door to Jennifer.

A few months later, I saw her riding a horse down the road in my neighborhood. During our short visit, she told me that she had dropped out of school. I was disappointed but not judgmental. I'd seen similar events several times during my career.

Yesterday morning, I received an email from Jennifer. After working around Sandpoint for a while, she enrolled at North Idaho College this past semester. She also listed her classes and her grades---all B's and above.

I'm proud of Jennifer and will continue to gently nudge her onward. This determined young lady has demonstrated once more a truth I saw so many times in teaching.

Success is all up to the individual. Where there's desire and persistence, goals will be achieved.