I am a person.

Due dates and projects do not define me.

I am not your slave,

a plaything to jerk around.

I am an individual,

With hopes and fears and likes and dislikes.

I have a life outside the corners of your classroom,

One you cannot ever fathom.

Do not view me as a percentage.

Do not see me as a name on a seating chart.

Regard me as I really exist.

Acknowledge that I am a human, just as yourself.

Who knows,

We may have more in common than you can ever imagine.