2.

I invite my advisory students to make thank you cards today for Thanksgiving.

"I know you can blow this off," I say.  "But don't.  Don't be too cool to thank someone for what they've done for you.  It can be a teacher, a family member, a friend."  I talk a little more about ideas they could use, cards I should write, and then pass out paper.

Three of my ninth graders are too cool for gratitude, apparently. They sit and stare blankly. I'm a little disheartened and annoyed.  I wonder how much I should try and persuade them.

A quiet ninth grade girl, Angela, sidles up next to me.  She has a question.  "Can I make three?" she asks.

This is why I teach.