As a foreign language educator, I taught many students over the years. This particular boy was a freshman at a Day School on the eastern shore of Maryland. His parents were farmers and sent him to the Day School to provide him good footing in life. Mike arrived in Spanish I a disorganized, diffident and seemingly uncaring learner. I quickly learned that his academic commitment and engagement was similar in all of his classes.
One day toward the end of year as we were in review and preparing for our final exam, Mike arrived yet again unprepared for participating in class, let alone a review of the spring term. As I handed him a pen for the umpteenth time I was inspired to reach for my pink pen (as an aside I am known even to this day for colorful pens). As I handed the pen to him I suddenly decided to try something different and said “I am going to give you my much-beloved pink pen. Take care of it. In fact, if you commit to bringing this pen with you to class every day until our exam, I will give you some additional credit.” He sized me up: “Is she serious? Do I have to carry a pink pen? What’s going on?” I went a step farther and added that if he succeeded in this arrangement the whole class would have a treat from me. It was a casual exchange and a half-hearted attempt on my part for sure.
Mike showed up the next day with the pen and was pleased to flash it in my direction. Day after day for the next week, Mike and the pen dutifully appeared in class. But holding on to the pen wasn’t the only change for him. He actually began engaging with the review and he passed the exam, not with flying colors, but he passed. The whole class received an ice cream and enjoyed a playful moment together courtesy of Mike. Before leaving campus that spring Mike asked me to be his academic advisor. Hmmm.
I would like to tell you that Mike is now a rocket scientist. He is not. I would like to tell you that I inspired him to do and be great things. I did not. But I proudly share the gift of working with this young man who allowed me to be present with him on his journey, who accepted me as a companion and ally as he met his life challenges. He did finish high school well, he did go to college, he did learn to appreciate what his parents wanted to give him and what he wanted to return to them. I’m not sure if he still has the pink pen.
This is not an inspirational “Stand and Deliver” story, nor the story of how a teacher unlocked genius in a learner, supporting him from underdog to conquering hero. So, this is really the quiet unassuming tale of a boy and a pink pen, a little thing that became a tool for him to be himself, to confront his obstacles, and to move his mountains. It is part of my story too as a teacher, who had the privilege of sharing in that joy and who gave up a pen, but earned an advisor and a meaningful life experience.
