words to hang my hat on

i had a bit of trouble in science class today. the lesson was fine, according to my associate teacher, but i felt like a bruised apple. it was very frustrating to have the students i've worked so hard to earn the respect of fritter away class time by disrupting things because i didn't know how to chorale them or focus their attention. hello, feelings of inadequacy. thanks for dropping by and ruining my life!

the educational assistant in the class (because it's a class that needs one) came over at the end of the period to debrief me on the guys who are the behavioural issues. usually, she tells me a bit about their backgrounds, and those stories are the ones you don't want to hear; they're really good kids and it kills me that this is their lot in life. today, she told me about a conversation she had with them because of today's antics.

"guys, you like mr. chan, right? you're smart; you know what effect your behaviour has and you know when you're crossing the line, so why do it? you're making him think it is his fault. this guy is brilliant and could be doing just about anything he wants, but he is choosing to be here to help give you guys a running start in life. don't you think he deserves a bit of your respect?"

damn well nearly made me cry on the spot.