wasted lives

Three of my students are up for expulsion for drug and alcohol-related incidents. One, my favorite cholo, had a positive for marijuana urine test. Another didn't go to mandatory counseling. Another drank vodka at school (again). That's 3% of my students in one week. Damn.

The first one is the most difficult for me - we were doing great. I didn't realize until today - he is probably the reason that class was so great for me. For whatever reason, he decided I am the only cool school person that exists, and he's the toughest guy in there. Nobody messed with me and nobody messed with him.

I miss him. I miss his willingness to tell me when I'm wrong from his perspective, and his willingness to politely at least appear to be listening to me when I tell him he's wrong from my perspective.

It didn't help his case that he cussed out Flanders.

He's a great person. I hope his life is not wasted.