Do you remember your favorite teacher? The one who always believed in you and made you fall in love with the subject? Teachers have an incredible impact on their students. Many years down the line, students remember their kindness and compassion, being a beacon of hope when things got tough. A little boy named Lopez will never forget his teacher, Ali Bonilla Esteban, who fulfilled his unusual request to let him bring his dog to the classroom.
More info: TikTok
One day, a student made an unusual request to his teacher that left her stunned
Image credits: alibonilla16
Elementary school days are typically filled with laughter, the excitement of learning new things, and the carefree spirit of childhood. Unfortunately, not every child gets to experience that. A boy named Lopez was facing hardships at home, a challenge that is tough for anyone, let alone an elementary school student. Due to changed circumstances, there was no one around to look after his beloved dog, Pequeña. The thought of her being all alone left him feeling sad and distracted.
Luckily, he had an incredible teacher whose dedication and love for her students created such a safe environment that he had the courage to make a very unusual request. “He asked me, a little nervously, if Pequeña could come to school with him,” Ali said in an interview. “I agreed. I wanted to support him so he could feel comfortable with his faithful friend.”
Her decision, though perhaps a little unconventional, was an easy one for the dedicated teacher. When she saw the positive change it made for Lopez, she knew it was the right decision. Esteban didn’t want his studies to suffer due to the hardships at home. The boy couldn’t focus on his studies and get good grades if his kind heart and thoughts were all the way back home, worrying about his little dog.
He asked whether he could bring his dog to class as due to hardships at home, there was no one to look after her while he was at school
Image credits: alibonilla16
Image credits: alibonilla16
The teacher was deeply moved by her student’s sincerity and concern for his four-legged pal. It isn’t easy to admit that something is wrong at home, especially to someone who isn’t your family. But Lopez did it for Pequeña. His academic success is important to him; after all, if he gets good grades, he will be able to get a good job and buy all the treats for Pequeña. Maybe he could even invent a medicine to make dogs live for 100 years!
Teacher Esteban displayed the most beautiful human qualities of compassion and understanding when she granted the boy his request. She posted a heartwarming video of Lopez diligently studying while holding his dog, Pequeña, who clearly assumed the role of a student. She patiently sat in her owner’s lap, observing the classroom, and behaving nicely. A++ for Pequeña!
This decision brought about a noticeable transformation in Lopez’s demeanor. The boy felt happier and more at ease – now the only problems he had to worry about were math problems. The kind-hearted teacher reassured him that he could bring her whenever he needed, providing a safe haven for a little child going through hardships.
The teacher agreed and soon noticed that Lopez became happier and was able to concentrate on his studies
Image credits: alibonilla16
Since that fateful day, Pequeña has become a beloved member of their classroom, bringing joy not only to her owner but to the entire class, turning their learning space into a more comforting environment. The little ones also received a priceless lesson in compassion from their teacher and will know that when someone is suffering, they need to open their hearts and help out.
Netizens were in awe, with the TikTok video garnering hundreds of emotional responses. They praised the teacher for her understanding and the positive impact she made on Lopez. The online community recognized the significance of such gestures, sharing stories about their teachers who helped them when things got tough. Decades later, they still carry the memories of those gestures.
Bringing dogs to schools or other educational institutions can bring a positive shift in the usually stressful environment. Just a few minutes of playtime with furry companions can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and fill up your phone gallery with hundreds of adorable pictures. When students are more relaxed, they perform better and are more eager to go to their classes, knowing that there are adorable teacher’s assistants waiting to help them out.
“I agreed. I wanted to support him so he could feel comfortable with his faithful friend”
Image credits: alibonilla16
However, the most important piece, the very heart of it, is the teacher. They are the guiding lights for their students, working long hours and spending their time off worrying about how the kids are doing. Teachers love their students and feel proud when they succeed, just like their parents. Haven’t you accidentally called your teacher “mom” at some point?
Esteban’s love and desire to help were obvious in the TikTok video she posted, with a heartfelt caption: “I know how hard you are trying to study, I know you have difficulties. I know how much pain you are going through, for that reason only we both know.” Her heart ached for the little boy.
“I also know that you have the desire to succeed and that you will make it possible,” the teacher never stopped believing in her student.
Teachers have an incredible power to change their students’ lives for the better
Image credits: alibonilla16
This tale of Lopez, Pequena, and the kind teacher Ali beautifully illustrates the power of empathy and understanding. Hopefully, the storm in the boy’s life will settle down soon, and he will be able to live a joyous life without worries. One day, he will grow up and, perhaps, encounter a child in need and help them out. The seed of kindness, planted by his teacher, will grow into a beautiful garden.
Thanks to wonderful educators like Ali Bonilla Esteban, the world will be in the safe hands of a new generation, being raised to be caring and kind.
Have you ever brought your pet to school?
Commenters praised the teacher for her kindness
I’ve read all of the comments and replies and most are concentrated on allergies, and rightly so. However, I do not believe for a second that this teacher didn’t check with the families of her other students about allergies before allowing the dog in their classroom. The pictures show that the other kids are fine and the teacher said that they welcomed the addition of the dog to the classroom. I wish that more teachers were so concerned about the welfare of the children in their care. This teacher hasn’t just helped one child, they have made their whole class happier and being happy in school makes children more inclined to learn.
Don't get me wrong (i'm a dog man myself), it's good as long as there is no one allergic to the dog. Then that needs to be addressed as well. Yes, I know about medications, i'm just saying id needs to be adressed.
It’s not uncommon for conflicting accommodations needing to be met & often times there are layers. When this happens it’s called “competing rights.” This example isn’t a disability accommodation that we know of, but what if it were? What if one student was highly allergic to dogs and another student was blind and used a service dog? Their needs conflict. We have systems to deal with this in a basic manner in primary schools, but not so much colleges. Which is where it often occurs. There are typically human rights bodies or boards that deal with it case by case. In the blind/allergic example: can they be separate enough (lecture hall) so both can be accommodated? Can the person with allergies take medication? Whose needs get met if not? US/EU laws require the accommodation of the blind person as allergies are medical but not a disability. Here’s the rub: learning disabilities are protected, allergies not. When rights/needs conflict someone loses. Luckily not the case in this post.
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I would have said no cause it may be distracting to the other students, but looks like Pequeña is a very chill pup. Glad he is at ease with this and more concentrated in his studies.
I’ve read all of the comments and replies and most are concentrated on allergies, and rightly so. However, I do not believe for a second that this teacher didn’t check with the families of her other students about allergies before allowing the dog in their classroom. The pictures show that the other kids are fine and the teacher said that they welcomed the addition of the dog to the classroom. I wish that more teachers were so concerned about the welfare of the children in their care. This teacher hasn’t just helped one child, they have made their whole class happier and being happy in school makes children more inclined to learn.
Don't get me wrong (i'm a dog man myself), it's good as long as there is no one allergic to the dog. Then that needs to be addressed as well. Yes, I know about medications, i'm just saying id needs to be adressed.
It’s not uncommon for conflicting accommodations needing to be met & often times there are layers. When this happens it’s called “competing rights.” This example isn’t a disability accommodation that we know of, but what if it were? What if one student was highly allergic to dogs and another student was blind and used a service dog? Their needs conflict. We have systems to deal with this in a basic manner in primary schools, but not so much colleges. Which is where it often occurs. There are typically human rights bodies or boards that deal with it case by case. In the blind/allergic example: can they be separate enough (lecture hall) so both can be accommodated? Can the person with allergies take medication? Whose needs get met if not? US/EU laws require the accommodation of the blind person as allergies are medical but not a disability. Here’s the rub: learning disabilities are protected, allergies not. When rights/needs conflict someone loses. Luckily not the case in this post.
Load More Replies... I would have said no cause it may be distracting to the other students, but looks like Pequeña is a very chill pup. Glad he is at ease with this and more concentrated in his studies.
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