I began to cry, and I couldn’t stop. Annie, my best friend, took me out of the school cafeteria and into the guidance counselor, Mr. Stuber, as she would do when she was upset. I did not want to go, knowing I would have to explain the situation. I was embarrassed, sad, and angry.   

Annie consoled me. “If you don’t want to tell him what happened, you don’t have to.”

I gulped and muttered “Okay,” as we took our lunch bags to his office.

He let us in, stopping his work. This was the first time we had met, and he already looked concerned. He asked what happened. I cried harder, saying I didn’t want to talk. He let me cry, eating my lunch in his office. He didn’t pry. After a bit, I felt comfortable enough to tell him what happened, and he listened to me. Actually listened.

It was a trivial thing to cry about—just a boy. However, at that point it was the biggest problem. Of course, looking back, I am surprised I cared, but it was high school.

That was the first time I talked to him, and he made me feel so comfortable (even as I sat and cried).  I am not much of a sharer. Mr. Stuber was, however, the kindest and most caring person I had ever talked to. No matter what, I knew everything would be okay if I told him.

The next few days, he let me stay in his office during my study halls to work and talk through what happened. He never told me he was too busy, making time for me. He helped me through the anxiety and took the weight off of my shoulders. I didn’t feel like I was alone, because I knew he wanted me to succeed and be happy.

After meeting with him tapered off, and I went back to my regular routine, however, he still checked up on me. He gave me a bright smile each time he saw me, asking if I was happy and well. That was the first time I felt like a teacher truly looked out for me, and cared about me even after I switched to a different campus. Still, to this day, if I see him, he will give me a smile, and ask how I am.  

I don’t think I ever told him, but I appreciated him so much in those few weeks, and I still do to this day. He taught me how to deal with difficult situations, even if I didn’t want to. He pushed for me to be happy and successful, but most importantly, he made me a better person.

He is the most caring, supportive and helpful person I have ever met. He made me feel okay when I felt like my world was collapsing, and I am forever grateful. So, thank you Mr. Stuber, for helping me and caring about me.