Rise Up

Lin

           

The whole time Talie had been with us, she hadn't had any friends over.  She was on her phone constantly like pretty much every teenager, but I don't think she was texting with people.  I didn't want to bring it up and make her feel bad, but I was concerned she didn't seem to have any friends.

One day I saw an opportunity.  I happened to be in the main office when a new student was there registering with her mother.  Hunter always tried to assign new kids a 'buddy' to help them learn the ins and outs of the school.  I eavesdropped a bit and found out she was a freshman just like Talie.

"Do you need a student buddy for her?" I asked the secretary, and she looked up from her computer at me.

"I do, actually," she said.  "Have anyone in mind?"

"Yeah.  Talie would be really good I think," I told her.  I held out my hand and introduced myself to the student and her mother.  The girl's name was Naomi and she was Latino.  There weren't that many Latino kids at Hunter, which was maybe why Talie hadn't connected with many people yet.  Not that she couldn't be friends with white, black, or Asian kids, but I had a feeling Talie might be more comfortable with another Latina.

Talie was waiting in my classroom like she sometimes did when we got to school really early.  I invited Naomi and her mother to follow me.  After looking at her schedule, it turned out I had her for freshman English 5th period.  We walked in and Talie was sleeping at a desk.

"Talie!" I called her.  She stirred and picked her head up, looking at me through her dark hair.  "Wake up, kiddo.  There's a new student I'd like you to meet.  Her name is Naomi."

Talie pushed her hair away from her face and stood up. "Oh.  Hi," she told Naomi a little awkwardly.

"Hi," Naomi said hesitantly.  She seemed like a timid kid who needed a friend.

"You're starting today?" Talie asked her, and Naomi nodded.

"Oh.  Well, welcome," she said.  "Can I see your schedule?"

The two freshmen sat at two desk and Talie began to go through her schedule, telling her what she knew about each teacher.  I took the opportunity to talk to Naomi's mother a bit and tell her what we'd be doing in class.  A few minutes later, Naomi's mother said goodbye to her daughter, leaving the two girls with me.

I worked on my computer and eavesdropped a little.  It sounded like they had a few things in common.  Naomi liked to read, so they talked about some of their favorite books and series.  By the time the first bell rang, Naomi had a smile on her face.  And maybe I saw a little smile on Talie's lips too.

____

When 5th period rolled around, I introduced Naomi to the rest of the class.  We started with writing as usual.  I would take a close look at Naomi's writing later today, like I did with all my students' first samples.  Hopefully she'd be able to hit the ground running and fit into class.

Naomi stayed quiet the first day, not volunteering to participate in the class discussion.  That was fine for the first day.  I knew she was nervous and all the other students were scoping her out.  However, I had a feeling I'd have to pull her out of her shell a bit.  I didn't let kids not participate in my class.  I was known to cold call them to keep them on their toes.  I'd give her time the first week, but then I'd be treating her like any other student.

Talie showed up at my door after school, looking very ready to go home.  I packed up my things and soon we were out the door.

"How did Naomi do?" I asked her as we rode the subway.