Perseverance and Persistence

LSEM > stories > Wow Story > Perseverance and Persistence

Perseverance and Persistence

  • April 17, 2024
  • Posted by: Caitlin McCallum
  • Category: Wow Story
No Comments

This story comes from a while ago, during my second or third year of teaching. I was hired to teach in a self-contained program for students with mild cognitive impairments. At that time, it was called an “EMI Program.” The program served students who were Educable Mentally Impaired. I taught Math, English Language Arts and Pre-Vocational Training (Which included woodshop and building computers) to students in grades 7th – 9th.

I had a student, D, who was being raised by his mother, and was very reluctant to come into the classroom. He was very well mannered and a very nice young man. He said I heard your classroom was for students who were “Special Ed or mentally retarded.”  “I’m not like that,” he said. I told him that those labels mean absolutely nothing, and he should give me an opportunity to work with him. He agreed. D made it clear to me (on numerous occasions) that he was going to be a successful businessman and will hire a lawyer to read what needs to be read, and an accountant to do his math. I told him that he should work hard to realize his dream and not let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dream. You must be persistent! Don’t ever give up!

D was tested by our school psychologist twice. He started out as an average student in my classroom but quickly rose to the top (mainly because he was very persistent in wanting to know how to do things). He became my main helper in the woodshop and worked very hard. He learned to assemble a computer from scratch and was able to teach his classmates. One of the things we focused on in our program was communication. We practiced eye contact, using voice and shaking hands.

He eventually moved on to high school and found the same level of success. One day, he came into my classroom after school and said “Mr. Timm, I enrolled in college. I want to get a business degree. Will you help me with my math after school when I need help?” Of course, I said yes. He came often and we worked on his assignments almost every night.

D then found a job at the local Walmart and quickly was promoted to manager of the sporting goods department. That wasn’t enough for Do. He kept his focus on wanting to own a business one day. He eventually found a job at a local hotel. He worked there as night manager for about a year but was let go. While there, however, he met a gentleman who told him that he should apply for a minority grant, and he could own his own business. D purchased a group home (assisted living home for individuals with disabilities) when he received the grant.  He was very frugal with his money and saved it until he could put a down payment on another assisted living home. He continued putting his profits back in to another and another and another. He also bought rental homes in our community and the surrounding areas.

A couple of years ago, D contacted me and invited me out to his house. He said he bought the old elk farm. I told him it was great to hear from him and would love to stop by sometime.  One day, I was driving and noticed a beautiful lake with numerous other ponds, gorgeous woods and fields. At the back of the lake stood a gorgeous brick home – a very nice home!  I checked the address again and it turned out to be D’s! He owns fifty acres, including the lakes, ponds, woods, aviary with peacocks and numerous other birds. He is building a $500,000 building just for the residents in his assisted living homes to enjoy. It has a dance hall, movie theater, fireplaces, game rooms and a library.

Today, D is the owner of 42 rentals and 8 assisted living homes (Premiere Care Assisted Living). He also recently sold his restaurant in Bay City and purchased two VBRO’s in Florida. He is 42 years old today and doing quite well. I am extremely proud of this former student and the persistence that has made him successful.

This is a lesson that I think about often. Give students support and encouragement. We never know what God has in mind for them.

~ written by Larry Timm, LSEM Teacher at St. John’s Lutheran School in Midland, MI