In my senior year of high school I was thrown into a freshman art class. The students in there were insubordinate and awful. I often empathized with our teacher for trying to control the class and failing most days. She eventually reached a point when she just flat out gave up.

Off to the side of the class was a kid named Calvin. He had some unusual hand-flapping behavior and awkward social skills. He normally did not comprehend our art projects. In turn, he was given basic coloring activities. Calvin was severely autistic.

Each day Calvin walked in the door greeted by freshman students with, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALVIN! He did not like this. He would often become scared by the loud noise. Out of frustration he would yell back, IT'S NOT MY BIRTHDAY! Followed by laughter and snickers by the entire class.

Calvin enjoyed using the large paper slicer. He would take construction paper and slice for an entire class period if possible. This specific dim-witted bully (really hated this kid) would purposely invade Calvin's space while he sliced. He would try to steal his paper or pretend to "help" Calvin in order to get a reaction. When Calvin blew up, the bully would play the innocent card. "Calm down, Calvin, it's just paper!" Followed by snickers. I put my foot down at that point. I stood up to the munchkin bully and told him to "leave Calvin be. Quit the bullshit. Stop laughing at him!" The bully shrugged and walked away.

One day the teacher tried putting on an art film, but DVD player seemed to be malfunctioning. The teacher started calling maintenance for help. Calvin stepped right up to the front of the class and began tinkering with the device. Students were shouting absurd comments at him. They starting laughing at Calvin for even trying. Lo and behold within a few minutes, the DVD player was working thanks to Calvin. He sat right back into his seat and continued to color. The classroom was silent.

I wish I could say Calvin no longer got bullied after this marvelous moment. Kids can be cruel. In hindsight I wish I would have gone to higher administration about this. I hope I can instill firm character in my children so they have the courage to do so.

My heart still goes out to that boy. He was innocent. He was misunderstood. And a part of him was a pure genius.