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A 26-year-old teacher has taken a delinquent student under her wing.
Chelsea Haley met 12-year-old Jerome Robinson in 2013 during a teaching stint at Teach for America—an organization that aids low-profit schools. A problematic student, Robinson grew up in an impoverished household with his mother, younger brother, and grandparents. The family was then confronted with the death of two loved ones. These experiences led to Robinson’s misbehavior, which Haley had to put up with. Because of this, Haley was on the brink of quitting her job.
But despite the difficulties that Robinson put Haley through, the two eventually warmed up to each other. In fact, she was the only one who could pacify the student. When Haley’s contract with Teach for America ended, the organization convinced her to stay so she could continue looking after Robinson.
The teacher’s fondness for Robinson encouraged her to adopt him and his brother. After having a word with the boys’ family, Haley finally took the boys under her care. In December 2015, she received full custody after meeting the qualifications to become the children’s legal guardian.
Haley proudly shared that Robinson—who used to face several suspensions and get low marks—now excels in class. He even made it to the honor roll during the first half of his eighth grade.
Like Haley, English teacher Bennie Berry also volunteered to adopt her 16-year-old student, Anthony, who was under foster care since he was nine years old. Although Berry had reservations about the adoption, she is grateful for the experience. Through Anthony, she was able to feel what it is like to become a real mother.