"I like to be a very active teacher, Alicia, I like to stay in touch with all of my student and make sure that all of them are on the right track. Even though that might be a counselors job I am sure nobody is more suitable to keep an eye on their students than a teacher." I take out her paper from a deep drawer in my desk and look at it for a second. "The reason I asked you to address your letter to me was to know you better. Something tells me you are a very interesting student. Your letter is very good, yes, better than most. The average student barely don't even know how to say hello in spanish, and you managed to write most of it correctly." I hand the corrected paper over to Alicia. I is full of red markings, traducing the words that were left in english and correcting those that were misspelled. "Even so you must do better. I grade by individual involvement, and that means I may be a bit tougher on you than with others."<br/><br/>I look at her seriously now. "I understand you are not doing well on your classes lately, using your time for other purposes outside school bounds. I want you to know that whatever the case may be I can help you with whatever you need, as a teacher and as a counselor." As I said the words I realized how awkward they sound coming from someone who is barely older than she is. "And maybe even as a friend" I say smiling again.