October 15, 2010

Trust

Written by: Dora Boyscout, CITC Academic Advocate, Romig Middle School

Bill was brought to an office across from mine and he sat there quietly. The assistant principal came to my office to inform me that his mom was in his office quite upset. He asked if Bill could sit in my office while he brought mom back to talk with her son.

Things didn’t go too well between the two but I passed no judgment towards the mother as I sat and listened. After a few words spoken to Bill by mom, we sent Bill out to the other office as I listened to mom. Mom was quite upset as she sat and told me about her family and her life. I sat there and listened to her. Once she vented, things settled down with her and I let her know that I would do everything I can to support her and her endeavor to raise her son.

So, my connection with mom began. She put so much trust in me that whatever I said or did, she went with. When speaking with teachers, I was there too, because I was the one who understood her and I could explain to the teachers what was going on.

Several years passed and I was moved to another school. As the school year began, the principal brought me to his office to speak to me about a parent who was just irate. They had a hard time understanding why this parent was so angry with everyone. When he gave me the name, I told him that I knew this parent and that I would advocate to both the parent and the school. The look on his face was of much relief. From there on, I was the main person to contact from both sides. When meetings were in order, I explained and advocated for the parent. When setting up meetings I advocated for the teachers as well. I made sure to tell both sides that I would be there to support both sides.

When trust is established between the school and the community, things go well between the two. This story is an example of how two communities, a parent who wants to be understood and a school who couldn’t understand, came together when trust was put on one person. Trust is one of the most important values a person can bring. We should all strive to give trust to those around us.