Letters to the Editors

Teens who hit my car: Watch out

Dear Editor:

As a first-year teacher, I've listened carefully to the dialogue surrounding the anatomy of student success. Should parents of failing students bear the brunt of the blame for not preparing and motivating their children before they enter the school's front door? Or should teachers be held more accountable for the lack of results? It is in this constant game of finger-pointing, unfortunately, where the student deflects the brunt of responsibility.

I promised prior to starting my initial year in the classroom that I would reserve judgment on students, never claiming, as many prior generations do, that "the current batch of kids continues to lower the bar." I've witnessed what some call a decline in standards -- the deplorable language and the disrespect of authority -- but continued to hold that a few couldn't spoil the reputation of the whole. That is until Feb. 21.

A trio of teenagers arrived home -- more than likely somewhere in east Hillsborough County -- with a sizable dent in the right front bumper of their parents' white minivan. Their explanation for the cause of this damage would have been interesting to hear. I'm willing to bet my $500 deductible that they probably glossed over the part about hitting the back end of my Toyota Corolla, then fleeing the scene of the accident at Bell Shoals and Lithia-Pinecrest roads. "Just hit a pole, Dad. Sorry," the driver with a cropped haircut probably said.

Or maybe they did tell the truth. Knowing their parents had shielded them from the road of responsibility their entire lives, where would the outrage be in a criminal hit-and-run?

So for the three cowards who preferred to bolt through the Chevron gas station rather than own up to their mistake, I would just like to tell you that I didn't suffer any injuries. I would like to thank Tricia Masing of Valrico, who was traveling south on Lithia behind me when I was struck. She waited an hour to give her statement to police, identifying you three in your white van with its distinct teal decal markings down the side. Unfortunately, no one got the tag number.

Maybe the owners of that van with a dent in the bumper and likely some silver paint from my car will read this and show a conscience by calling the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Or perhaps other witnesses, neighbors or the body shop that may fix the damage might be able to lend a hand. At the very least, I do walk away with one of those "teachable moments." I only hope when I talk about responsibility to my students, it won't be the first time they hear the word.
-- Brian Ayres, Valrico