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Joy was determined to inject “positivity” into other people’s lives. Eventually, she hoped to become a psychologist (broadcasting on the radio or TV) specializing in adolescents dealing with abuse or suicidal thoughts. “I don’t think society focuses on that so much because of a taboo,” she later explained. “I mean, I grew up with abuse and people don’t address it because of fear or not knowing what to do. My deepest passion actually is acting; there’s just something about relating my emotions to another person that completely captivates me. So I’d also love to act, but I need to help people. I have the drive and the passion for it. I know I will be something big.”

She believed this career path was an obvious extension of her nature. “People tend to run away from becoming more than what they know they can be,” she said. “I like to make people recognize who they are and show them that someone has faith in them. The way I do it is by making the person see the good in themselves, talking to them on a personal level.”

JOY’S PE CLASS WAS gathered for attendance-taking when the teacher announced that the class wasn’t going to change into gym clothes because of the rain. The students relaxed. Joy chatted with Christine, a Filipino girl who was also in her Spanish class. She and Christine had bonded because other girls “hated on” them for being naturally skinny.

As they chatted, Joy could hear Mia, the Mexican girl who had been bullied, repeatedly asking classmates, “What did [the teacher] say?” The students ignored her. Mia’s friends were busy gossiping.

Finally Joy turned to answer her. “He said that we don’t have to change and that we should go to the gym,” she called out.

“Oh, really? Cool, thanks!” said Mia.

“No problem,” said Joy. “You’re welcome.” She recognized an opening, and crossed the room to stand next to her. “So,” Joy began, “are you gonna start talking to me now? Are we gonna act like civilized human beings?” They both laughed.

“Yeah, we can,” said Mia. “Are you used to it here yet?”

“Um, I’m getting used to it. I’m not as professional anymore.”

“So have you started chillin’ with people? You speak or understand slang yet?”

“No, I don’t. But I can try,” Joy said.

“It’s cool. Me and my homegirls just thought you had a problem with us.”

“I have a problem with no one. I’m a cool person. I don’t like to judge,” Joy said.

“That’s good. We should talk!” Mia said.

Joy was relieved she wouldn’t have issues with Mia anymore. “Of course!” she replied.

The girls went their separate directions. Mia’s friends crowded her. “What’s up with her? What she say?” one of them asked, pointing and watching Joy walk away.

Already Joy was ashamed about the assumptions she had made about Mia back when the girls harassed her. Because of the other Mexicans she had encountered at Citygrove, she had assumed that the Mexican girls in PE were ignorant. For the rest of the month, Joy and Mia greeted each other whenever they passed by.

REGAN, GEORGIA | THE WEIRD GIRL

Late at night, Regan was surfing Facebook when she received an IM from a student who had graduated last year. The student wanted to go away to college, but her boyfriend asked her to stay in town with him. “What’s the right thing to do?” she asked Regan.

“You have to do what’s right for you,” Regan answered. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’re young. Chances are, your relationship isn’t going to last anyway, and if he can’t stay with you while you do what you need to do, then it’s not worth it. But I know that love doesn’t work that way. If you love him, even if you know it might not last, you’re going to want to stay with him, so I know this is hard.”

They talked for a while longer. At the end of the conversation, the student thanked Regan profusely for being there for her. “Love you for real, Davis,” she wrote.

Regan glowed. “It made me remember how amazing and important my job is,” she said later. “In the end, teaching isn’t about anything except the students. Forget all of the administrative bull and the bureaucracy. Teaching is about