When I was younger I had a learning disability. This meant that I had to go to the resource room several times throughout the school day for extra help. The teachers there were very nice and helpful. Through the years I became very close with a teacher there, named Mrs. Santamarco. She was always very encouraging with me and never got frustrated even when I didn't understand something after she explained it a thousand times. I enjoyed working with her so much, that she used to come to my house to tutor me in English and science, since they were my two toughest subjects. When I was younger I didn't mind going to the resource room, however as I got older I began to hate going there. I hated going there because I hated being singled out. I felt different and not as smart as the other kids. When I would get upset about this Mrs. Santamarco would always be there to cheer me up and make me feel better about myself. She also told me that if I worked really hard then one day I would be declassified. That was all I needed to hear, I began to work really hard on my school work. It wasn't easy but by the time I was in 6th grade I was able to be declassified. It was one of the biggest accomplishments of my entire life and I couldn't have done without the help of Mrs. Santamarco.
-- Bonnie Stein, American University