The silence deepened in the already attentive class as the young widow, with tears gently flowing down her cheeks, raised her hand and asked if she might share a thought with the students.  A native of West Africa, she traveled from her homeland to pursue professional training as a Home Economics teacher so she could support her elementary-aged son.  Her youngest brother, comparable in age to her son, also made the journey with them.  She was the guardian of both boys.