I have students who ensure that I get a sample of what is prepared in Home Ec, always. They tell me about their lives, struggles and bright spots. I have met very few kids woh do not have redeeming qualities. In fact, in the past 50 years, I'm probably the worst. Got lost in West Edmonto Mall a few years ago. Saw some kids with chains, purple/yellow/green hair and pierced body parts. Tough looking crew. Ask if they could help me find a certain store. First they tried to explain how to get there. I told them I was screwed because I'd never find it. They walked me there, and we had a good conversation on the way.

Met some kids workin' a wipe racket about 10 years ago on Canal Street in NYC at about 10:00 pm. Stopped and asked what they were doin', because I was from Canada and hadn't seen this particular thing before. They talked with me for 20 minutes about their word, themselves and their street life. When my wife and I were leaving, they told us to be careful because the district had a bad reputation. They were the toughest lookin' guys we saw the whole time we were in the city.

I think that if ya treat people with respect, and take a genuine interest in them, they will treat you back with respect. Never seen it be otherwise.