“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,” said Atticus Finch to Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird.
When I read Harper Lee’s novel for the first time in my Southern literature class at Chapel Hill, I thought, “Atticus is saying that to me, too.”
He was.
He still is.
I thought about those words today at school.
I got a new student.
The office introduced me to him, and I gave him my friendliest smile and warmest handshake.
He glanced at me and then looked at his feet.
Did I see a hint of sadness in his eyes?
Did I see a shadow of fear?
After I learned his back story, I think I did.
What would it be like to be him?
What would it be like to walk around in his shoes?
What would it be like to move to flee from danger in another state to South Carolina?
What would it be like to walk into a new classroom with a new teacher and new students far away from home?
As a nine year old kid.
Thirteen school days from Christmas break.
It’s got to be tough.
“Welcome to Berea,” I said. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Maybe those are the best ways to speak to sadness and fear - with welcome and kindness.
I hope so.
All in a day in public school.
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