I notice a few problems were solved incorrectly.
“Kayla, these aren’t quite right,” I say, pointing to one of the incorrect problems.
She angrily erases the answer she wrote down. I notice that she wipes at her eyes with her free hand. I take the pencil from her and lay it on the desk.
“Look at me, Kayla.”
She turns her tear-streaked face towards me.
“It’s okay to be wrong sometimes. Learning is a process of trial and error. There’s no need to be upset.”
“I’m always wrong. I’m so stupid.”
“No, you’re not, Kayla. Everyone’s different and learns at their own pace. Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was the same.”
Kayla gives me a hopeful look.
“Totally boring, right?”
Kayla nods.
“I don’t ever want you to call yourself stupid, again. Don’t say negative things about yourself.”
“All the kids do.”
“Screw them.”
Kayla lifts her eyebrows in surprise, and then laughs.
“Kayla, I promise to not give up on you. I promise to help you improve your grades. I promise to give you my all. The only thing you have to do is promise to give me your all. Can you do that?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s shake on it.” I hold my hand out to her.
We shake hands, sealing the deal.
“Okay, now let’s tackle these fractions.”
I reflect on the time I spent with Kayla while having dinner with my mom and Michael at home.
“Cocoa.”
“Hmm.”
“You seem distracted.”
“I’m thinking about Kayla, about how I can better help her.”
Since relocating to this town, I’ve sort of felt like an outcast, but I’m resilient enough to make the best out of my situation, but Kayla needs guidance.
“Mine too, honey. She’s such a sweet child and so shy, but you can help her come out of her shell.”
“I plan to.”
“I think it’s great that you’re taking her under your wing. It’s very noble of you to volunteer your time,” says Michael.
“Thanks, Michael.”
