There
was one student I coached who had had a different coach the previous
week. When I picked up the student he scowled at me and I thought,
"Oh oh, what am I in for?" When we sat down I saw he had
nothing on his paper and was still scowling. Somehow it dawned on me to
ask him if he would have preferred his regular coach. He nodded his
head in agreement and just then his regular coach came up near us
with some folders. I explained to the student his regular coach
could only take three students this time rather than four due to the coach's
schedule. We both assured him he would have his “preferred” coach next
session. Like magic, the student's countenance changed and we finished
with a good coaching session.
Sometimes
I forget students at this age are "metamorphosing" from children into
young adults. Their bodies are changing dramatically. They are like
little flower buds with tender petals just beginning to open to the world.
---Nancy Whitney, WCC site
co-coordinator, Albany Middle School