The Difference A Teacher Can Make

Title of the short story : The Difference A Teacher Can Make
Author : Jaye Lewis
Number of pages : 5

The Fact
This story tells about Steve, a twelve year-old boy with alcoholic parents who felt in love with his teacher. He had been falled since first grade, as he was passed on from grade to grade. He was unnoticed until one day when an amazing thing happened.

Once in the middle of the first semester, all of seventh grader were tested for basic skills. It’s not surprising that Steve failed in the test, since he never studied, did homework, and even he never listened to the teacher’s explanation. Indeed, he failed in all tests including in Ms. Whites class. Ms. Whites, the young teacher sdored by Steve, attempted to make Steve study. Everyday, she encouraged him to study. “Just try it!” He was unmoved. “You’re smart enough!” nothing happened. “Give yourself a chance!” nothing. “Steve! Please! I care about you!” Wow! Suddenly Steve got it. He was vey happy knowing that there was someone cared about him, someone special. Quickly, he went home, packed his camping gear and school book, then he went into the woods to escape from the alcoholic smell in his house.

The next day, Ms. White immediately gave a quiz. In this time, he was the first who handed in the paper. The day were the first time Steve succeed in doing a test. Later, he became more motivated. He graduated from college Magna Cum Laude. Now, he is in a good position in his naval career.

Personal Response
What a great inspiring story!

It inspires people who are failed not to be desperate. It shows us that we can be happy only if we give ourselves chance to feel happiness. It is merely a matter of choice, whether we fill our life with courage, desire, and dream, or dump our time with desperation. It also remind us not to under esimate person. Wow! There are so many lessons we can get just from one short story.

Rahmati

Questons and Answers

Alfi

• Questions


1. Why did Steve become lazy and never obey what people said to him?
2. What are the characteristics of Ms. White?


• Answers


1. Because at first, he had no motivation, he did not get enough care and guidance from his parents, and maybe he wanted to show rebellion to his responsible parents.
2. Ms. White is kind, patient, and bad in giving up, that she tried to encourage Steve to be better.

Yudha

• Questions


1. Was the teacher very beautiful?
2. Do you think it’s fine to have such kind of motivation?


• Answers


1. Based on the author said about her, I think she was quite beautiful. She was red headed young woman who has bright skin. For me as Indonesian, that’s a nice physical appearance.
2. No. This story was ended in a good way just because Ms. White was a good person. But it’ll be different if the woman he loved is a bad person. So, it’s not good to have such kind of motivation.

Ratih

• Questions


1. How does the story impress you?
2. Do you agree with the way Ms. White take care of the student, especially Steve?


• Answers


1. It reminds me not to underestimate person and encourage me to be a good teacher in the future.
2. Yes. Ms. Whites did the right thing. She did what a teacher need to do in such kind of situation. Encouraging students to study is much better than scolding them because of their laziness.