Y TXTNG SUX

When you take those workshops to help you become a better teacher, they train you to be more patient, more kid-savvy. They train you to be able to think quick on the spot, handle in-class disputes, and be more diplomatic.

They prepare you for the teenbrat students who don't want to do their work, don't want to read aloud in class, don't want to take their head off the desk, don't want to do anything but keep ignoring you, thankyouverymuch.

They even prepare you for the teenbrat students' parents who don't want to hear complaints about their kids, don't want to read any letters or e-mail from you, don't want to get a telephone call in the middle of dinner, don't want to do anything but keep ignoring you, thankyouverymuch.

What they don't prepare you for is the ex-student who dies suddenly on a Monday afternoon after being pulled off life support. What they don't prepare you for is hearing how your old student got into a car accident on the previous Saturday night and crashed into a tree on the way home from a party. What they don't prepare you for is learning why he got into that car accident in the first place - no, he wasn't drunk; he was texting and lost control of the car.

Kevin Garcia was a senior in high school. I taught him when he was just in 7th grade. I remember his goofy, ear-to-ear grin. His typical teenbrat moodswings. His sudden fits of laughter, like the sun unexpectedly bursting through a cloud on a rainy day. Next time you're driving, I want you to remember Kevin before you pick up that cell phone.

3 comment(s):

Stacey said...

That is so sad! He is just way too young. :(

Busy Bee Lauren said...

That makes me really sad. I will pray for his family.

My brother Ty, got rear ended by a driving texter a few weeks ago.

Unknown said...

Thanks for commenting, girls, and I appreciate you praying for Kevin and his family, Lauren. I'll be doing the same.

Hope Ty is alright!