When I was in Ms. Gumbs' class my family was one typical to the neighborhood, dysfunctional with alcohol and violence. As a result I was one of those invisible children who knew if I kept to myself, behaved and stayed quiet, no one would bother me. I was asthmatic and missed school a lot due to sickness and my family life. Once, PTC Ms. Gumbs made a point of telling my mother that it was important that I attend school regularly and proved her point when I didn't know what "sum" meant. Then she lowered herself to my level and spoke directly to me. She said that she missed me when I wasn't there. Well, she actually saw me for what I believed for the first time and continued to tell me how much she cared. I may have been late a lot, but I did come more frequently to school. It became my escape and haven that empowered me. Thirty-five years later, I am still at school, a different one, where I mentor new teachers, where I let them, and their students, know someone cares and sees them. Thank You!
- Irene Cruz,
Former Student