The Blue Nowhere #1

The Blue Nowhere begins with typical "good guy" "bad guy" tensions and conflicts. However, as the story progresses it employs a parallel I found most interesting.
Often, we as educators tend to overlook our student's schema regarding various topics. We assume that our mere existence and life experience override any possible contributions our students may have to offer regarding our classrooms. Much the same, in the story, the police were reluctant to admit that Gillette, a convicted hacker could or should be permitted or capable in assisting their investigation.
Who of us have not had the situation occur when a student was able to help us out of a jam? I am certain this has occurred for many of us whether it be in relating subject material to a lower functioning student, or assisting us with a technical issue in the classroom. Though we may be reluctant at first to accept their expertise, we are often grateful for it once the issue at hand is resolved.
As in our classrooms, the detectives were resistant in accepting the assistance Gillette offered. However, as the story progresses they actually become dependant and perhaps grateful.