My clinical experience as a student teacher forever altered my pedagogical focus for high school science. 

Once, I engaged in a power struggle between me and a student of mine. This student asked what would happen if they did something; something which was obviously discouraged. Context is important; they ingested something edible, but it was a part of a chemistry lab and not to be eaten affirmatively. Therefore, I responded affirmatively that they would leave my classroom. 

This student proceeded to do that something. I said I was disappointed with them and walked away, sighing and reflecting. I did not proceed to yell or punish this student; I did not want to. Only after reflecting on the situation did, I recognize the power struggle which I engaged this student in; therefore, I am partly to blame for their actions. 

Later in the year, this particular student left school in the middle of the day, cussing out their instructors. Later, this student was located standing atop a freeway bridge, I guess contemplating jumping. Something I learned that semester is summed up in a quote by Yogi Bhajan, “If you are willing to look at another person’s behavior toward you as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will, over a period of time cease to react at all.”

JLS