Always Follow Your Instincts

So I haven't posted in a while and I think there is one overwhelming reason, not following my instincts with a student.  I suppose I should start from the beginning so this can make some sense.  I had a student that was either very happy in class, or very angry and agitated.  I began chalking it up to the fact that it was after lunch and we all know that the most drama filled time of the high schooler's day is lunch. 

After a few weeks though I began observing him being abusive to his "girlfriend".  I mentioned this to other teachers, but everyone told me this happened last year and that her mom knew and there was nothing that could be done.  I couldn't take the, what seemed like a rehearsed, answer so I went to my principal over my feeling that something was going to happen between these two students at school.  She gave me some advice, but I still didn't feel satisfied.

I began writing down his behavior, his mood and seeing if there was some sort of pattern.  However, before I could find a pattern my worst fear happened.  He came into my class very agitated and angry one day and I had to send him to the office.  While there he punched out the reinforced glass of the front doors of our school.

We had to go on lock down while the police and ambulance came to the school.  When the bell didn't' ring, I knew why.  My heart just sank.  I immediately felt as though I could have done more to prevent this from coming down to this.  He was recommended for expulsion and the school board agreed with the recommendation.  The very next day he overdosed on his medication and was found very near my home in a ditch.  He was rushed to the hospital and luckily survived.   

I'm not sure that I could have done much more for him, but I would have liked the opportunity to try.  Everybody knew his condition and personality, but nobody, including me, helped him.  I know I can't save them all, but I didn't think I would "lose one" this early in the game.  Bottom line:  always follow your instincts.