invisible baggage

This was a short but worthwhile artlcle that can serve as a reminder that we all have "invisible baggage" we carry around with us. When you consider the diverse population of each class we either teach or will be teaching it is probable that students have much more on their mind than what you are addressing in that classroom.
As teachers we will be making a connection with our students and if we encounter a student withproblems we have to be prepared to know the resources available at our colleges and universities to be able to direct students to get the help they need.
We also have to be prepared to handle difficult situations in the classroom. I recall one year when I was teaching religious ecucation to fifth graders one of the girls in the class was in a very bad sledding accident. I had to be able to anwser the student's questions about how she sick she was and it was important that I answered in a calm way not to upset the class. That was a difficult time for the class. What was most upsetting to the students was looking at her empty desk. One day I asked the students if we could change the classroom a bit. They all thought it would be a good idea and that's what we did. The small changes made a difference in the class and soon we were back in a routine.
What made that situation easier was that the fifth graders had their parents to speak to about their classmate. In a college setting that is not always the case. A teacher may be the only resource a student has to turn to. This could put a teacher in a difficult position and that is what I wonder about. If a situation arises, will I be able to provide the right guidance to the student and stay distant enough to be effective?
At the end of the article are three things the author believes we should practice...(1) be empathetic and kind without comprimising academic standards (2) be nonjudgemental and practice acceptance and (3) become familiar with campus and local resources. I think these are good guidelines to remember.