Andrew came home from school Monday concerned about one of his friends. He hadn't been in school that day, and Drew had heard some rumours. He called this friend and found out that he (C) had decided to drop out of school.
Andrew fussed at him. He tried to persuade him. He reasoned with him. Still C said he'd already made up his mind. He'd talked about it before, and I knew from things Drew had told me that he was unhappy with school, and in my opinion, kind of depressed.
Well Andrew got on the phone with other friends in their circle, and they discussed it and what they should do. Then at about 8 p.m. Andrew patched another friend in on a three-way call to C, and after the conversation was over, Andrew told me that this other friend had just about convinced C to stay in school. C is not 17 yet, so Andrew said, "We have 6 months to convince him to stay in school." (In our state you have to be 17 to drop out.) I asked him why he'd had the other friend talk to C. He said that he knew that this particular friend would be able to do it if anyone could. This friend started out by yelling at C, telling him how stupid he was being, then he laughed at him and made fun of him for making the plans he was making, then he talked to him quietly and reasonably and actually got him to say that maybe he'd try to stick it out after all.
Andrew said, "In this kind of situation, V knows how to talk to C to make him pay attention and take it seriously. I guess we've got six months to convince him."
Sometimes I am just so proud of my kids. The fact that Andrew's circle of friends, a) thinks it's dumb to drop out of school, and b) cares enough about a fellow friend that they will consult one another and then put a plan into action to help him out, tells me a lot about their characters. Sometimes it's really good to be a mom!
Thank you Donna for the wonderful, and timely, graphic above!
15 comments:
dear Lori
very interesting entry!
I love the way your Andrew has reached out to teh other kids to help this one kid!
How did he learn this skill? Lori If you would please would yuo enlighten us as to how he developed this particular skill and how he learned to involve other kids?!!!!
Please!:):) I'd love to know!
Lori this is awesome!
love and hugs,natalie
OMG, this is such a lovely story. What your son did is amazing. We never hear about the good things that teenagers do, so it's important that he gets recognized for what he did. Can you talk to the school principal or one of the counselors and inform them of what happened? Your son deserves a huge pat in the back for this, and some sort of certificate or mention in the school paper if they have one. He went above and beyond what any other friend would have. He didn't just say, "Oh well, it's his life, so he can do what he wants with it." He showed maturity and responsibility, but most importantly, he did something which is giving his friend a chance to make something of himself. Bravo for Andrew!
Hugs, Mandy ~
A very valuable contribution made by Andrew, Lori, you have every reason to be proud of him
Lori...wow...what an amazing thing your side has done! Most people would ignore "C's" problems and not get involved. Besides encouraging him to stay in school....perhaps your son can get "C" some information from the guidance counselor at the high school about depression. Maybe a professional to talk to or a group session he can get into. Just a thought....
Hugs,
Gina
I am so impressed and proud. I just wish someone had intervened when I got pregnant at 15 and dropped out of school. I had no idea how hard my life was going to be and theirs. He's definitely changed someone's future. I'm so proud of him.
NELISHIA
http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/WISHINGANDHOPING/
Quitting school scares me to death. There is a lot of that here in Las Vegas because there are so many gaming industry jobs that don't require certified education. Regards, Bill.
Its so hard for kids in school...its was brutal for me..and still one of the toughest things I went through..some kids are just magnets for being teased...I think its great your son is encouraging him....His friend who love to stay in school but whats keepin him out, is something that hes not being competely real about...probably because he doesnt want to come across as weak..which is one of the false stigmas in society..I dropped out my junior year and went the Community College...best decision for me...no regrets....
~Raven
I am so impressed with Andrew and his friends and it reflects on the way he was raised by you and your husband. Be proud! Paula
Wow, You must be so proud of Andrew and his budddies. Not all teenagers would have taken it that far for a fellow student. I hope his friend does return to school and stays on until graduation.
Toodles,
Tia
I love this entry. There are so many negative influences in high school these days. (Believe me!) It is so nice to see such a wonderful example. You and your husband are doing a wonderful job!
Good Job, Andrew!
~Heather
Awesome!! You have a right to be proud! I bet with 6 months they will succeed! - Barbara
I love this story! You're raising a good one!
Pam
C is lucky to have such great friends. You should be so proud of Andrew; he and his friends did a wonderful thing for C.
Maria
good for andrew and his friends! a kid, or anyone, couldn't ask for better friends.
thank you for posting this :-)
Nothing like peer pressure... it's great to hear a positive story about the influence one student can have upon his friends. Too often we hear of the negative peer pressures, but you are right... sometimes they do good things for each other as well. Thanks for sharing this one. Makes a person glad to be a mother. They say apples don't fall far from the tree. You have been a productive apple tree! Bea
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