Anita Ojeda 
Slow Students
I have a student that our school almost didn’t accept. You see, we don’t have a special education program because we’re a small, private school. This young man had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) from his previous school, but his parents really wanted him to experience life as just another kid.
When I first met Fred*, I wondered if maybe we hadn’t taken on a task that we didn’t have the qualifications to accomplish. Some would call Fred slow. He manifested many of the characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. His speech is slow. He doesn’t walk fast. It took him longer than other students to catch on.
Fred didn’t understand personal boundaries (but he’s learned). And me? I have learned so much from Fred. Mostly I have learned not to judge a book by its cover.
It all started Fred’s second year, when he discovered I liked birds. I showed him my bird app, and he bought it, too. Any time he sees me around campus, he asks me if I’ve seen any new birds.
His junior year, I discovered that Fred has a wicked-smart sense of humor. When I walked around campus one evening, Fred came up to me and asked how I was doing.
“I’m doing great, Fred. But the mosquitos are horrible! I have 15 mosquito bites already and I’ve only been out here for three minutes.”
We walked in silence for five minutes, when Fred said, “I guess the ladies are thirsty!”
I’ve chuckled to myself ever since. His humor might take a few extra minutes, but it’s always well thought-out and spot-on funny.
There’s Nothing Slow About Fred’s Intellect
This year I read Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian out loud to Fred’s class. At the end of the unit, the students had to come up with something creative that expressed what they got out of the book. Fred came up with a real winner (I have his permission to share these).
Fred has taught me that even though I think I hold no prejudices, I tend to measure everyone by my own personal yardstick. Just because others don’t move at the speed of light doesn’t mean they are slow. Fred has taught me more than I have taught him. I know I’ll really miss him next year (he graduates in May).
I tend to measure others by my own personal yardstick--and that makes ME slow. Click To Tweet*Not his real name
He sounds like a wonderful young man. I wish I could meet him. 🙂
Hugs,
Melinda
(visiting from FMF)
He IS awesome! Thanks for the hugs and for stopping by!
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Wow, sounds like an amazing young man. Working with Special Olympics athletes I know exactly what you mean. One cannot judge a book by the cover at all. I’m in the 6 spot this week.
He IS amazing! The funniest thing happened this morning. When he entered the building I said, “Hey, Fred! How are you doing today?” (he wasn’t feeling well yesterday). “Mrs. Ojeda,” he stated, “I’m feeling slow!”
Anita recently posted…There’s No Such Thing as a Slow Student
I’m glad your school accepted this man. Slow today can be unfortuantely seen as problematic. I’ve learned, by having a son that’s slow, that they think more in-depth than I ever could and yes, he makes me laugh too. I’ve done my fair share of measuring as well. Thank you for the encouragement.
It’s such a blessing to have a cornucopia of students! It keeps me humble :).
Anita recently posted…There’s No Such Thing as a Slow Student
What a wonderful, warm testimony to a student who became a cherished friend. This story says a lot about Fred, ANita…but it speaks volumes as to the size of your heart.
#3 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/02/your-dying-spouse-276-journey-to.html
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God keeps growing my heart to make room for everyone he sends my way!
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Anita,
As a speech therapist it’s interesting you took this angle because I almost did the same. Slow to me means “slow kids.” I work with them daily. I love them. They frustrate me at times, but they are a challenge because as you have found in Fred…there are gifts among the slow struggles. Everyone has talents and weaknesses. God designed us each so special. Glad you let Fred come to your school and to you as a heart warmer. Love, Jenn FMF
Thanks for stopping by, Jenn! I love my kids because they come from so many different backgrounds and have so much to teach me. They awe me by their resilience and ability to function.
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Dear Anita, the years I served urban students, especially in the secondary alternative school, taught me so much about teaching, learning, life, and faith! There are no cookie cutter kids, their strengths and needs weaving a rich tapestry of opportunities to learn from each other. Thank you, Dear Sister in Christ, for speaking up for the ones who may not be able to themselves.
Amen! No cookie-cutter kids and so much to learn from each unique student!
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Anita, Fred sounds like an amazing young man. I’m sure the way you have fed life into him has helped him to open up more. Isn’t teaching an incredible field to be in? You have the opportunity to watch your students grow and to be touched by them.
I so enjoyed your post!
he sounds like a great guy! our years in JA started me on the path to learning this. just when i think i have learned it, i find new ways i need to learn it more and in new ways!