Chapter 1: Jamie

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Chapter 1

Jamie’s pov

I was nervous today was the first day of classes.

Lea bought me a new briefcase for luck.

She was such an amazing wife.

Mrs. Ross even called to tell me have a great first day.

Hearing her tell me I could do this gave me so much confidence.

I got to class early so I could set everything up.

It was so weird being here as the teacher and not the student.

I put a new laptop in each desk.

Thanks to the funding each student would get one that’s in the nerd project.

For some of them they would never get anything this nice.

They had the option of keeping it here, or taking it home.

 I felt like a proud father giving these to my students.

I watched as they all walked in some looked at me in shock.

I knew I looked too young to be teaching here.

I hope that wasn’t going to be an issue.

I looked at each student trying not to let them see me.

I didn’t want them to think I was judging them like everyone else has.

Once everyone was here I took a deep breath so I could begin.

“Hey everyone welcome to a new year of the nerd project. You can all call me Jamie.”

Someone from the back shouted “Where is Mrs. Ross?”

“She is on a second honeymoon with her husband after they found out he was in remission. She will be here from time to time. Don’t worry Mrs. Ross wouldn’t have trusted me to teach if she didn’t trust me. In fact she once changed my life. I was in the nerd project the first year it started. It saved my life.”

They looked at me like they couldn’t tell if I was lying or not.

I knew with these kids I had to earn their trust first, and I had no problem with that.

I was the same way.

I never thought my life experiences would help me with teaching.

“Yo teach what’s with the computers?” One of the kids asked.

“Those are yours to keep. You can keep them here in your own personal lockers, or take them home. You each with get a locker with a lock so feel free to leave your books in there as well.”

They just looked at me with their mouths open.

It was as if no one has ever gave them something before.

For most of them I am sure that’s true.

I heard a few whisper a thank you, and the rest just sat there in silence.

“Okay so today I am letting you all have a free day. Get on your laptops and have fun. I want you all to know you start with a fresh start here. These are your files. I put each one in a shredder. Now that those are gone you have a second chance. Use it to your advantage.”

They didn’t move, or say anything.

I wondered if I had went too far.

Did I mess up before I ever really got started?

One by one each student started to clap.

I knew then and there I got their respect.

All these kids need is for someone to believe in them.

pic of Jamie included

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