Marvin Remembers Mr. Schafer

By the time I got to tenth grade, I had lost all interest in school. I wasn’t a terrible student, but academics didn’t come easy for me. I knew I wasn’t going to college, and I just wanted to start the next part of my life. My math teacher, Mr. Schafer, was one teacher who connected with me. He took the time to get to know me and was always encouraging. I was reluctant to tell him that I planned to drop out.

I finally got up the nerve to stay after class one day and tell Mr. Schafer my plans. At first, he just listened. Then he asked if he could give me some advice. He talked to me about the long-term financial benefits of graduating, even if I didn’t go to college. He told me it would be much easier to stay and finish now rather than trying to get my diploma when I got older. He advised me to just stay through the end of the semester so that I would have a few more credits.

Although I had already made the decision to drop out, I agreed to finish the semester. I didn’t want to disappoint Mr. Schafer. He checked in with me every day. He introduced me to the shop teacher and convinced me to stay for one more semester and take an electronics class. That class helped me realize I could have a future as an electrician. Each semester, Mr. Schafer persuaded me to stay longer, until I finally reached the end of my senior year. I have a picture of Mr. Schafer and me at my graduation on my office wall. I’m grateful to him for never giving up on me.

I hope Marvin’s story helped you see how much your work matters.

Julie

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