School daze

I' m a teacher at the local high school. A few weeks ago we had a problem, to many students were cutting classes. While this is normal for students, it had reached epidemic proportions at our school to the point where our budget was at stake. If we didn't correct the problem soon, we could be out of jobs.

After trying several solutions, none of which worked, the Principal approached me for advice. After a little discussion, he allowed me full authority to proceed with any ideas I might have. Although I had no ideas at the time, I thanked him for the confidence in me and assured him I would attempt a few solutions of my own.

After lunch, a boy came to my classroom to discuss his options for life after high school. I, of course, suggested college. He rolled his eyes and whined about how he hears that same line from his folks. I started into my told-it-to-a-hundred students-before speech about the college experience and how it improves one's life. He quickly got bored and started looking around the room. I realized that I had to convince him that what I was saying to him was somehow different from the lectures he
got at home, and I couldn't do that without his attention. I was determined I could change his mind.