In my years of teaching both in the K-12 system and at the post-secondary system is that there seems to be a pervasive lack of responsibility on the part of the student. I try hard every day to have an open mind and shephard my students toward success but it is hard when you get a student who refuses to take responsibility not only for their own actions but also for their own learning. Like everyone in the class I have hundreds if not thousands of stories about students who fail to see the value and importance in working hard and learning. I realize that much of this is due to personal frustrations they face everyday in their life such as: struggel to understand the content, money problems, learning difficulties and most prevently personal problems. Not only do I work to understand their learning needs but I work to understand their life situation. I have found this is the one of the main factors that will lead them to either failure or success. I also keep in mind that with every negative story there are positive stories of students who have turned around, faced the hard facts and accepted responsibilty. Early on in my career I was told "You can't help every student, focus your energy on those that are more open to help." That is not to say you let the other students dangle on failure but sometimes giving students space can help them see the light. In addition, if a student has been difficult with me, but then comes around and asks for help, I never bring up the past. I am always very upbeat and positive with them and I feel success when they ask for the help. Learning opportunities sometimes come at the most random time, it takes time and patience to know when one has arrived.