His Sins Preview III

Part III "Hello, my name is Adam Bennett. I'm the school counselor at St. George High, over on Broadway."

"Really? So you're the counselor I've heard so many good things about; all the progress you've made with the children in that school. From everything I've been told, it's a pretty tough school. Is that right?"

"A lot of the inner-city schools are tough. Most of the children are on their fifth or sixth dad with many of them not knowing who their original dad ever was, so it's no wonder really that they have a tough time. In fact I wonder sometimes if the mothers even remember or care. Alcohol and drug addictions are rampant in the area. How can any child grow up unscathed under those conditions?

"Many also have lived on welfare most of their lives and move as often as they change their socks; keeping just ahead of the rent collector. A lot of the children don't have a thing that they can call their own so stealing at a young age is not considered by them to be a crime; it's purely a matter of survival. They don't have the books or the clothes that they need for school but they know where they can get them, real quick. It's just a quick stop at a local store; a quick look around, a grab and they're gone. Most are quite proud of their ability not to get caught.

"It's enough to make a person cry when you see how so many of them live. I should say how they exist because that's all they're really doing. But on a happier note, it's sutrprising how many of them actually do make it in spite of their difficult backgrounds. Enough about what I do. I was told that you have your own counseling practice."

"You have been doing your homework. Yes, I do. It took me a while to get there though. I initially took business management courses before I realized that what I really wanted to do was to become a counselor.

"I know what you mean about the poor homes and the difficulties they experience. I go into a lot of those homes and try to turn families around but for most the extreme poverty has beaten their spirits into the ground. However, over the years there are a few that I have had some luck with, especially if we have been able to build up their self-esteem and self-confidence," Sarah Ann said.

"I agree that self-esteem and confidence are the key issues involved with these children. Not just the children but with their parents as well, especially some of the single mothers. If the parents can feel confident about their abilities, they will be able to pass that on to their children. But if they don't, their negative attitudes will be passed on to their children instead. I try to drum into their heads that negative attitudes will get them nowhere; only more negativity. How are you enjoying the Seminar so far?"

Sarah Ann shrugged her shoulders. "A lot of the classes are quite similar to others I have taken in the past."

"I know what you mean. You never know what you're getting when you sign up for them." Adam smiled, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, are you free for dinner this evening? I don't want to put you on the spot but I'd really like it if you would join me."

Sarah Ann hesitated momentarily. "As a matter of fact, I am available. I would love to, Adam."