Can I Have Some Ice Cream?

Yesterday, after school our administration had an Ice Cream Social for us, as a part of the festivities for Teacher Appreciation Week.

I got my ice cream, and was standing there, enjoying my mint chocolate chip, when one of my more immature freshman boys came up to me.  "Mr. Miller, would you get me some ice cream?" he said.

"Oh, no, that would be inappropriate, the ice cream is just for the teachers," was my response.  "But since you are here, I'd like to talk with you for a minute. . . let's sit down."

So, I had a little chat with young Jonathan about being in high school now, and maturity, and how I was disappointed that he had not grown up more this year.  I told him that my big regret in leaving was that I wouldn't be there next year to give him the push (or kick) he needed when he got out of line.

Jonathan agreed that he needed to work more at growing up.  "Sometimes I don't try as much as I should.  But I'll try harder."

"Thank you," he said for our little talk.

"And you still can't have any ice cream," I said, as we shook hands and parted.