On this episode of Smirk, It Just Takes One, our short story leads us into a discussion on mentors and where they pop up in your life. Does one even know they’re a mentor, and what does that mean as far as personal inspiration?
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Want to read Amanda’s story “It Just Takes One” in full? Think you can identify the moral or theme for this episode? Read it below, and then take a listen to the podcast.
It Just Takes One
Jimmy has never been the type to exert endless effort into school. He gets good enough grades and shows up mostly when he feels up to it, but school has rarely been challenging enough to feel like it’s worth going to and getting an A just because that’s the societal expectation.
Jimmy’s got some learning to do, that’s for sure, but he’s not an idiot. He can pick up on things quick and usually figures out the answers before his classmates. He knows what he wants to do in life and how to get there, and because he’s a bit of an introvert, always feel a little out of place.
Money got tight for Jimmy’s family and they had to move – causing him to switch to a new school mid-year that had even less student engagement and interest. “What the hell’s the point”, he thought.
His first day at the new school and he’s in the science class. Surprise! Pop quiz. His teacher instructed him to do his best and she would use that to gauge his academic level, but not for a grade.
“I AIN’T DOING THIS SHIT, MAN”, a boy in the class yelled. “Please sit down, we’re going to take a test”, the teacher told the boy. Jimmy just wanted to take this test and be done. He has the questions, but not the Scantron to fill out the answers.
The boy began yelling at the teacher again, who threatened to call the school police. Jimmy, still waiting for the Scantron, began to get frustrated. “At least have someone pass out the scantrons”, he said. The teacher was so frazzled by the boy yelling in the class, who began throwing books around, she dismissed Jimmy promptly. The entire class hour was spent with the boy and the teacher going back and forth. By the time Jimmy and his classmates were able to start the test, there were only five minutes left. “What’s the point”, he thought again, heading to his computer class.
Jimmy walks into the class and is greeted by a very happy, strong-looking middle aged man. “Hey, welcome!” the teacher says. Jimmy replies in his shy tone and finds a seat away from the rest of the class. The teacher begins at the start of the bell, and somehow everyone is paying attention. “This is nothing like the last one, thank God”, Jimmy whispers under his breath in relief.
“Surely, most of these people know how to type on a computer, why are they all so interested in what this teacher has to say”, he’s wondering. Jimmy gets called on a couple of times and has the right answer for each question. This teacher knows how to command presence and keep students focused. They all seem to like and respect him.
A couple weeks later, with the only class Jimmy regularly attending being that same computer course and the same place he has lunch every day, Jimmy gets stopped at the bell. “How are things going for you?”, his teacher asks. “Not bad, just the same old, same old”, Jimmy says. The teacher looks inquisitive.
“The school offers elective credit for being a T.A., have you heard about that?”
Jimmy thinks about it for a second, “no, I’m not sure what that is”.
“Teacher’s Assistant. The student helps the teacher grade, plan, mentor other students. It’s a great opportunity, really.”
Jimmy thinks about it. “That actually sounds really cool. Do you get to pick the teacher?”
“You can request, sure. I have a spot open next semester actually, if you’re interested.”
“Really? That’d be great! I’d love to.”
“I’ll handle the paperwork on the back-end and get you signed up. I think you’d be great in this type of environment.”
Jimmy smiles, feeling relieved and accepted for probably the first time in his life. “I can’t wait!”