The Mentor

"Why, why would you want to do this? Haven't you been following the news, there have been gang related shootings and killings in that area. You can't get a taxi driver to go there ... even the police stay away from there, if they can.

"I mean it makes no sense now that you're retired, becoming a teacher, and if that's not bad enough doing it in Spanish Harlem. ... I mean Rick, it sounds to me you've lost your marbles," his long time business associate and friend said.

Laughing Rick said, "Paul, you may well be right, but somehow the idea of doing this is what turns me on - and as for why the worst school, well where else can I make the most difference? I mean these are the kids that need the help ... need someone to show them the way, a hell of a lot more than the one's who were born on the right side of the tracks.