A student from last year just told me they're... a vegetarian...?

People love talking about the little things you did for them or a funny thing you said (not to me...), but this is the first time a student has talked about my classroom pets; and I am about to CRY.<br><br>Last year a student in one of my classes wasn't really on top of their game. They're a good kid, and they'd do their work; but they just never (ever) listened... I had a habit of signing my name in the corner of assignments I handed back "so you know I love you!" (I got that from a movie, but I don't remember which one). This kid... never noticed (or cared); so I started writing little reminders to them at the bottom of the assignments (remember my name, pick up your stuff, you're a rockstar, that kind of thing). I'd notice them actually reading the comments when I handed assignments back, so I figured I was doing something right. They were always smiling at me when they came to class, and told me they... appreciated me (oh my heart!)... but still didn't actually listen.<br><br>Flash forward to this year. One of my current students was asking about my classroom Guinea Pigs (Salem and Scout), and one of my old students overheard and came over to say "I always loved the Guinea Pigs!"... then they looked at me with a strange face and said " thanks for writing comments about... the Guinea Pigs; I went vegetarian last year because of you". I was speechless.<br><br>I've been focusing on learning the names of kids I know I'm going to have a hard time connecting with thanks to this sub; and I think it paid off this time. I started putting little notes about the Guinea Pigs on the students assignments (as in... did you remember I was going to feed the Guinea Pigs after class today?). And I guess it worked!<br><br>I'm so happy I could help change someone's life so much. I know this sounds like a weird "I posted here for karma" story, but I wanted to share my own happy little story with all of the other happy stories here. Be the change people; even if it's just because you want to be on r/teachers.<br><br>EDIT: Before I get too many responses asking... I'm K-12 certified (I'd like to think I'm good with all ages; I work one on one with some special kids from other districts even). I teach for a small charter school that focuses on what I call "alternative education" (we're working to get the format patented). We do just about everything differently. The age, grade, and subject I teach are irrelevant to the story, but I appreciate your interest!