Most become teachers to make a difference in their student's lives. One teacher did so beyond her wildest dreams when she met one special kid with a raw deal.
Problem child solved
Many who enter teaching as wide-eyed optimists usually get a grim reality check. Underpaid, overworked and underappreciated, it's no wonder why it's listed among the most depressing careers. The going gets even worse with unruly students.
Chelsea Haley, teaching fourth grade at 'Teach For America" in Louisiana, learned that the hard way with problem child Jerome Robinson. She told CNN that things with the 12-year-old got so bad, it almost pushed Haley to give up.
“At certain points, his behavior got so bad, I thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I can’t be a teacher’"
- Chelsea Haley
Yet not only did she not give up, she doubled down to get through to Robinson - and it paid off. Per The Root, the two got so close that other teachers would send Jerome to Haley’s classroom, where Robinson was sure to finish his work.
“I got a lot of thankful emails and knocks on my door,” she said.
A big factor behind their closeness was Haley learning the reason behind Robinson's unruly behavior: a rough home life. Jerome still lived with his biological mother, who was having a difficult time raising him and his newborn brother Jace.
“It was really hard on her after she lost her husband,” Haley said. There was also a little sister who died.
“It was just a combination of tragedy coupled with the other social situations you face when you live in poverty,” she added. “[The boys] spent a lot of time living with their grandparents.”
Her life-changing decision
Haley said that the thought of becoming a mother to Robinson and Jace crossed her mind for a moment, then thought nothing more of it. That was until the next day, when Jerome approached her with a question.
"He just asked me if he could live with me. I told him I had been feeling the same thing"
- Chelsea Haley
Not long after, Haley went to dinner with the two boys and their mother. Haley explained to the mother that she was wrapping up her last year with the school and was planning to return to Georgia. That's when the mother made a bold request.
“You can go back,” she told Haley. “But I want you to take Jerome and Jace with you.”
And with that, a family was born.
Haley filed papers for permanent custody of Jerome, and then filled out papers to adopt Jace, too.
She took all of her retirement savings towards a home for her new family in Marietta, Georgia. Yet even with her savings, adopting a family is expensive business. To stay afloat, Haley used credit cards and delivered groceries for extra cash to support her sons.
“I never thought I’d be a single mom at age 24, especially of two boys, one of which was my 12-year-old student. And the other one who was only a year-and-a-half," she said.
Family is thicker than blood
Now, with her debts paid off and a beautiful family, Haley says that the sacrifices were all worth it.
"Being their mom is the greatest blessing of my life. I get to wake up in the morning and love two little guys"
- Chelsea Haley
There's no '23andme' test to connect Haley and her two boys. There's no old photo album to dust off and reminisce to. Yet their family has a bond as strong as any, with love for generations.
Just like Haley, when you're open to those around you, you'll discover that you have more loved ones than you thought.
More uplifting stories:
- She Gave Her Baby Up For Adoption On Thanksgiving – 50 Years Later, They Are Finally Reunited
- Single Mom Shares The Inspiring Story of Her Adoption Journey
- This Little Boy’s Kindergarten Class Planned a Surprise For His Adoption Day
- Detective Adopts 9-Year-Old Boy Who Survived Family Massacre He Investigated
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.