A Reason To Carry On

2014-2015 was one of the worst years of my teaching career.  But I won’t go into that!!!!

 However, on the very last day……..yesterday……..the last day with students……….it turned into a blessing and a life-changing moment.

We haven’t had any time outside this year.  Our schedules prohibited our exercise time for the first time in years.  The kids handled it pretty well after the first few months of groaning and moaning.   On the very last full day of school - yesterday- we took them outside to play and visit and simply hang out.  Of course, when you give them freedom, they tend to gather right under your feet…..no matter the age - I teach 8^th grade, BTW.

We four teachers were sitting closely together with students sitting around making airplanes and flying them off the bleachers onto the football field.  It was a bittersweet afternoon.  We were all happy to be out in the sunshine with no more worries of tests and grades and projects and report cards.  It was also melancholy to know that in a few short hours, they would be leaving middle school forever.  Simply put - it was a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us. 

One of our sweet girls who had worked so hard all year long and was such a great student looked up at us and said, “I’m going to miss you guys.  You are great teachers.”

Sweet words. 

Kind words. 

Thoughtful words. 

Appreciated words. 

But I took it a step further and asked this newbie high-schooler, “What makes a teacher great in your opinion?”

Without hesitation or consideration, she said…….

“You loved us like your own.”

Powerful words. 

From the mouths of babes…………a reason to carry on.