The time has come for the end of another school year. As I reflect back, I've had to remind myself that the reason I'm here, the reason I became a teacher, is because of the students. I am here for my students; not for administrators, not for law-makers, not for anyone other than the more than 100 students I care for in a given year.
Throughout the year, I experienced many frustrations, many setbacks, many irritations.
However, when I manage to separate the bad from the good, I'm constantly reminded that the real reason I'm a teacher is because of my students. I was reminded of this especially on Saturday, when I had the privilege, as one of the senior class sponsors, of being one of the "buglers" for the senior class. I'd had many of the students since they were sophomores, and being able to call their names for one of the most important milestones in their young lives brought tears of joy to my eyes.
At my school in particular, where many of our senior students do not make it through their senior year, counselors and teachers "adopt" seniors - we mentor them, we check up on them, we give them the proverbial parental ass-kicking that they do not get from their parents. This year, I had 58 seniors request for me to adopt them. As they checked out on their final day, I presented them with a small goody-bag of party favors, each symbolizing something important for them to remember as they left my care. The letter I included is below.
Congratulations, kiddo, you did it!! I’m so happy that you made it through!! I want you to know that even though you’re not my “kid” anymore, you will always have a place in my heart, and that having you as a student has forever changed my life – yes, for the better. Now that you’re ready to go out into that big bad world we call life, there are a few things you need to remember. As an English teacher, I’ve of course found some things that symbolize some very important reminders and life lessons.
Army Dude – You fought to get where you wanted to be – you graduated from high school. Never forget that you accomplished this! You, forever, will be the person that controls where you go in life. Fight for it as hard as you need to (and when I say fight, I mean in the mental, not necessarily physical sense ☺).
Medal – You’re a winner because of who you are, but also because by graduating from high school you have made it to the first of many finish lines. There are many more medals to come in life. Never be afraid to celebrate your achievements!
Sticky frog or lizard – You must remember that there are several stages in life and that each one brings new challenges but also new joys. Whether you start out as a tadpole or an egg, there’s always a starting point; but that doesn’t mean we all end up the same. More importantly, the sticky, somewhat skeevy little toy represents the fact that you should always stick to your goals.
Silly Band – Always remember to be a little silly in your life, even in the toughest moments. Even in the most trying moments of my life, I always try to find a little glimmer of joy. No, it’s not always easy, but it’s something that’s gotten me through.
Smarties – That’s just what you are – a smarty-pants. Live it up, smarty.
Jolly Rancher – When life gets you down, always remember that laughter is the best medicine. Be a little jolly. It won’t hurt, I promise.