While discussing the views of consequentionalism and nonconsequentionalism, the example of the English teacher Henry and student Tim was introduced. The idea that Tim is supposed to be a well-rounded, structured, driven model of excellent citizenship after high school is a nice thought and would be nice if that were the often the case. But, unfortunately, the simple fact is that this doesn’t always happen. Students do fail and dropout of school because they do not see the consequences in doing so. For example, there are adults in this world who cannot read but still manage to function in their everyday lives and who are actually good people. Just because they did not do well in school does not mean they are doomed for the rest of their lives nor does it mean they are incapable of doing a job well. I understand that as students attend school they should be developing certain behavioral and academic standards for everyday life that make them a better quality human being but, surprisingly, not everyone will find that in a classroom.

The criteria considered for making a decision about Tim is difficult, but to me the biggest problem is his home environment. Clearly his father could care less about his son’s academic performance and if his mom is working all the time, where is he going to get the encouragement and assistance that every child needs and deserves to succeed? I know that I would not have done half as well in school if my parents had not only expected good grades from me but helped me when I needed it.

This relates to Noddings’ one-caring teacher. Tim’s parents may have never been around to care for him like they should have and maybe no one in his life has given him a chance or believed in him enough to do something. Sitting in a classroom and writing essays is hard for a lot of people and if you are struggling and no one is there to help you it is easy, and probably likely, that they will feel like a failure. Tim does not see the relevance to his own life but working in the real world could give him the passion and drive he needs to succeed in life, but maybe not in a high school English class. By writing the recommendation, with honesty and some sort of precondition, Henry is giving Tim an opportunity that he might never have. Someone needs to look out for him because his family surely isn’t.