Trysha K. Holloway was a little girl in my first classroom experience. To this day I remember Trysha K.! Trysha K. was a very precocious little girl in our classroom. She could be defiant, stubborn, and could display some very challenging behaviors but at the same time she could also make you laugh and would say some of the most outrageous things. When ever anyone came into the room that she was not familiar with, parent, staff, or volunteer she would walk up and promptly announce that she was Trysha K. (last name) and would plaster a very big smile across her face.
I was very disheartened when the Lead Teacher informed me that she was "manipulative" and not to "fall for her tricks". It was obvious that she had no patience for her what so ever.
Trysha touched my heart because I knew that she came from a difficult home life and had been physically and sexually abused in the past. Much of Trysha's challenging behaviors came from this abuse and her attempts at working through some very difficult emotions. I was also surprised that knowing this that the Lead Teacher still made it obvious that she had no tolerance for Trysha. This immediately made me want to form a bond with Trysha and try to help her work through some of her emotions. I was pleased that Trysha was eventually permanently placed with her father and aunt and knew that she would receive the counseling that she much needed.
On her last day of school, Trysha walked up to me and tapped me on the leg. I bent down to speak with her and she wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed as tight as she could. She whispered "I love you Ms. Toni, you make school SO fun!" To this day when I see her in public she will come running up to me to give m a hug and tell me how she likes school. This was a very rewarding experience for me and one I will remember always.
About Me
- Toni Stubbs (Mahaney)
- I work full-time as an Early Head Start Home Visitor. I have a Bachelor's in Child Development with a specialization in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. I have recently graduated with my Master's in Early Childhood Studies specializing in Public Policy and Advocacy. I am currently in a Doctoral Program for Early Childhood. I love working with children and their families. My company encourages and empowers individuals to be more self-reliant; we not only educate children but their families as well.
What a wonderful story! How lucky Trysha was to have you watching out for her. Children know when an adult does or doesn't like them. This experience also shows that what goes on in school can have such a lasting impact on a child. In this case, the connection with you.I hope Trysha didn't feel the bad vibes the lead teacher gave out.
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteThe story you shared about Trysha is very touching! It is unfortunate that the lead teacher had no compassion or understanding. What is fortunate is that this little girl has a support system with her dad, aunt, and teachers like you who can make a positive impact in her life. I'm glad to hear that she is receiving counseling. Susana
My goal is to make learing fun. I loved going to school and want my students to feel the same way. I talk about having fun constantly. I think I once wasn't chosen for a position because I used the word fun a little too often. These are the children that make our jobs worthwhile.
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