how was carla's relationship with the young men?

The boys really respected Carla. She gently convinced them that they were worth her effort. She paid for their school out of her own resources. She did not try to change them more than show them what they could become,

Carla didn't try to change us, and that was important. Rameck, George, and I wanted to be able to enjoy college without suddenly looking or sounding like boys who went to prep schools all of their lives.