TAMPA – To challenge students in his first-period social studies class, professional animator-turned-educator Nick Gallo-Lopez asked them to imagine being trapped in a maze of mirrors inhabited by a people-eating chandelier.
It wasn’t your typical social studies lesson. But then, Focus Academy isn’t your typical school, and these weren’t your typical students.
One student in particular stood out.
Daniel Miguenes, lean and long-limbed with dark, watchful eyes, stepped back as his classmates huddled. He remained silent as they chose partners and plotted their escape from the maze, as if separated from them by an invisible curtain.
Gallo-Lopez continued the lesson, occasionally attempting to lure Daniel in. But he didn’t push. Experience has taught him that forcing a student like Daniel to engage is like trying to convince a vegetarian to eat prime rib.
The last thing he wanted to do was unravel the bond he and his colleagues have forged with Daniel in the three years he’s been with them.
“It’s taken time to get on Daniel’s wavelength, to gain his trust,” Gallo-Lopez said. “Maintaining that connection is the key to his continued success, not just academically, but socially as well. That’s our goal here.”
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