Mr. Halsey rushed to pack his book bag and head home for the day. It was homecoming week. Knowing his workload and the numerous papers to correct he'd miss a deal of the festivities happening on campus. The big game included if he didn't hit the grindstone and get some of these things in the completed pile. He also couldn't take on any new work fearing one of his colleagues would ask him for a favor being in the same boat.
As that thought passed through his mind, Malcolm, one of Mr. Halsey's 4th-period students, entered his classroom dressed in his football practice gear with a beaming smile on his face. Mr. Halsey confounded by the visit completely stopped what he was doing to address Malcolm as he walked through the empty classroom up to his desk.
Malcolm then handed Mr. Halsey a paper he had written. Mr. Halsey then questioned Malcolm to what this paper was to which Malcolm refreshed his memory by saying, "This is that story you told me I should write after that last assignment." The statement flashed into Mr. Halsey's mind. Malcolm one of the more reserved students in his 4th period. Wrote and read aloud to the class a ruckus story that captivated everyone having them laughing and showing a talent that Malcolm seldom revealed. Mr. Halsey was impressed, to say the least, which lead to the comments he gave Malcolm not thinking he'd actually do it.
Mr. Halsey looked at the paper in Malcolm's hand. Knowing his current predicament freezing not wanting to add to his possibly insurmountable list of things to do already. Malcolm explained he dressed for practice so he could milk every last minute writing in the library to complete the paper before having to be on the field. Malcolm was now showing foresight and an added effort based on a critique that obviously sparked his creative sensibilities. Now seeing Malcolm's talent budding, he didn't know how to react but sticking to his guns looking at his bag. He then told Malcolm he was glad for the effort to complete the story yet he couldn't take on any more work at the moment.
The proud smile on Malcolm's face vanished, and a confused look replaced it like the hand holding the paper dropped to his side. In the now awkward silence of the classroom, Mr. Halsey went on to rattle off more reasons why he couldn't take the paper doubling down on his non-acceptance of the work. This only further put Malcolm in a somber state puzzled by Mr. Halsey's decision, slowly backing away from the teacher's desk heading to the door. Malcolm's demeanor more reflected now what he'd shown in Mr. Halsey's class on day-to-day. Malcolm then mumbled something intelligible and left for practice seeing it was just turning 5pm.
A brief moment passed before Mr. Halsey continued to pack his book bag and headed to his car. From where he parked, he could see the football team breaking into practice. Mr. Halsey could even see Malcolm #25 his shoulders slumped and a lack of bounce in his step, hoping this would not affect his performance in the big game. This was when Mr. Halsey realized the power he had as a teacher to help shape the minds and lives of his students. His drive home only continued to reveal to him this truth, as past student names and faces came to him that he saw attitudes changes when he showed an added interest in the work they did.
Once the bitter nail-biting homecoming big game loss came and went the incident lay dormant, nearly forgotten till one day, Ms. Pentz caught Mr. Halsey in the teacher's lounge and began heaping praise on him. Mr. Halsey confused as to why listened as Ms. Pentz explained that she had been introduced to Malcolm and his writing. This was news to Mr. Halsey, who sat up straight. Ms. Pentz went on about how great it was that he encouraged Malcolm to keep writing. She hoped he would understand her request to have him transferred to her 4th-period creative writing class as his talent demanded he works at a higher level. Mr. Halsey didn't know how to react feeling as if he had missed out on something extraordinary, but reassured, as someone was there to pick up the ball where he clearly had fumbled it.
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