You know that you are in a very special place when you are getting kind words and thanks from students who haven’t yet graduated. In a teacher’s world, it is so wonderful to hear from graduates a year or two after high school on the impact you made in their world – and perhaps a few compliments about the time you spent together in the classroom – – but it is an entirely new and wonderful event for those nice words to be shared before they switch the tassel from side to side.
I came home from a day full of classes followed by an evening seeing another teacher’s work at our school. On the drive home, I was trying to talk myself our of writing this blog tonight. I really didn’t have enough quiet time to listen to my teacher spirt and figure out what to share. So, as any good student can do, I thought – let’s just let this one slip by – – if they (the students) can proscrinate – then, what the hell, so can I. And I was all comfortable to skip my self-imposed work.
But – but I was greeted by the sweetest text from a current senior who thanked me so kindly for inspiring him and giving him that creative kick in the ass to keep him pursuing his passion. He said so many wonderful things. I likely deserved only a portion, but he was generous. I realize it must be difficult for a student to express gratitude and “tend” to their teacher’s feelings. I know it is certainly difficult for me as a teacher to own the gratitude I have for these special students. Teaching comes with a very noble love for students. It is nice to feel some of that lovin’ coming back . . .
Perhaps in a dozen years the author of the sweet text will stumble on this blog and find my bumbling attempt to thank him – -but, for tonight, I get just a wee bit misty packing the briefcase for another day at school.