Dear Jaremy,

I do not even know where to begin. Everyday must be a challenge which no one can possibly understand unless they have experienced it. I only have advice to you that I have learned in my classes. But, I wish I could offer personal experiences because I know that there is so much to be learned by what others go through.

I think that there are a couple things I can say that could possibly help you. One thing that anyone who breaths is looking for is trust and respect. There is no way anyone will give it unless they have it in return. Especially with these students. I am not saying I know who they are or the type of life they have, but it appears to me that these children are starving for respect. They want it so badly but no one is willing to give it.

A lot of people have probably written them off and don't feel like they are worth the time or effort. They have decided their future for them rather than encouraging the students to do it for themselves. It's no wonder why these students are the way they are. They don't have anyone to explain to them their infinite worth. That what they think and what they do is important and affects not only to them, but to those who are around them and even those who will follow.

They also probably appear to have no ambition. They have no reason to. No one has allowed it. Give them hope. Give them a reason to want to continue to grow and develope into a person they never thought possible.

Like I said, I have no real life experiences with this. I have no idea the hardships that are faced daily. But I do know that these are things I craved when I was a child. And if anything, they need it far more than I ever did. All I wanted was for someone to validate what I thought and to value me as a person rather than a child whose opinion didn't matter.

I know I am a naive student from Utah who has never had any sort of experience that even comes close to being similar, but I hope that these are things that help you. Encourage the child to be the best they can. Love them. Maybe that's all they need. Someone to listen and care.

I have such a large amount of repect for the work that you are doing and to all those who are willing to share and help those in need. I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck in all you are doing.

Mari Cook