I believe the more difficult a child is, the more I want…
“I believe the more difficult a child is, the more I want that child. But I won't take a child until the parent brings him to us. So it is just the opposite - we get the ones that no one else will take. We get sawdust, and we have to make boards out of it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The educator describes taking in challenging children that others reject, likening them to raw material that can be shaped into something valuable.
In simple terms: She works with children others others avoid, turning them into strengths.
Key Takeaway
Embrace and develop overlooked potential.
Themes
education
inclusion
resilience
transformative teaching
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- classroom
- after‑school programs
- community outreach
- mentoring
- policy design
Key Concepts
social equity
psychology of marginalization
growth mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools better support “sawdust” students?
- What resources are needed to shape their potential?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on resources and support systems.