Everyone gets to a point where they are going through the motions of everyday life, trying to do your job and survive. I love everything about teaching. It is my true passion. But even I have fallen victim to this. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing my job well and reaching the students, making a difference the way I have always hoped. Then suddenly they have little ways of showing their appreciation for you and showing you that they are extremely perceptive to your emotions and want to help you and see you happy, too. These small moments of clarity keep me grounded. They help me realize and appreciate how lucky I am to be doing the job I love and connecting with my students with a level of caring and respect one can hope to experience.
Below I have two student made drawings given to me by two of my fourth grade girls this year. I was lucky enough to be teaching many of these students for the second time after having them in second grade for the year as a sub and now again in fourth grade so I had gotten very attached as I witnessed them grow, mature, and progress so much. They had such personalities and everyday was an adventure! This was an emotional year for me for both work related and personal reasons but they were so wonderful and truly pulled me through and made me grateful everyday to be working with them!
The first picture was given to me from one of my students around the holidays. She knew I loved quotes and always told them to cherish memories we shared. I was always taking pictures for the yearbooks we make in June so she gave this to me as part of my gift. I loved it!!
The next picture was given to me after a very emotional time when my neighbor and one of my closest friends passed away. Needless to say I wasn't always myself but still was there everyday waiting for them to make me smile! This was something she made to cheer me up.
Ashley you are so right. Everyone gets to a point where they are just going through the motions, trying to survive. Sometimes it's all you can do. Life has a way of beating you down. That's why its so important to have someone who can dust you off and lift you up again and help renew your energy for the fight. In our field many times, that's the kids.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 21 teaching preschool, my parents were going through an ugly divorce. My dad who was undiagnosed as bipolar said some very soul-crushing things to me. I went into work the next day and this little boy who I absolutely adored noticed how sad I was. He asked me what was wrong? I didn't even think about it, I was so raw, I just blurted out "my daddy doesn't love me anymore." I was mortified. I was embarrassed. I was scared I may have said too much. I felt vulnerable and ignorant, what kind of adult would say such a thing to a child?
He didn't miss a beat. He leaned his head on my leg and squeezed me real tight, then he grinned up at me and said "Well at least you stil got me, and I love you."
I laughed, I cried, but the memory has stuck with me for over a decade now as one of my most treasured moments of my past.
Julie, thank you for sharing that experience with me! It is so true that the students have a way of touching your heart that you will not soon forget. I have had a few encounters with students in my short years of teaching that will stay with me forever. Sometimes the smallest things can matter the most and make the biggest difference. It is one of my greatest joys in working as a teacher. Each day is a treasure and an adventure!
ReplyDeleteI love each and everyone of your quotes they were very inspiring to read. Also, feel that words can either break you or make you if not use in the right context. I believe children are an inspiration to work with because they always make me feel appreciated by seeing their smiling faces.When I enter the classroom every morning they run up to me and say "teacher" then they give me a hug. I feel too I had the best job ever. That is why I chose to work with children they always seem to brighten up my day.
ReplyDelete