This week we celebrated 8th grade graduation. So naturally this is a good time to reflect on what a wonderful school year it has been. It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since I announced I would be returning to the classroom as an 8th grade English teacher at my alma mater. This year has been everything I had hoped it would be. I had a wonderful group of students, my schedule was about as low-stress as it could be (I come in late morning, teach three English classes, and am home before 4:00), and I immediately felt at home in the community since this is where I went to school.
Since this was my first 8th grade graduation as a teacher at the school I attended, naturally, it would stand to reason that I would start to think back to my own 8th grade graduation 21 years ago.
This is a picture of me with one of my best friends from middle school and high school. Looking at this picture, it's so funny to see how much we've changed (check out my pouffy hair!) but in the few times we have been able to get together over the past few years where we can catch up over dinner, we quickly go into reminiscing mode.
Middle school and high school was an incredibly turbulent time in my family life, so having the support of such a stable, accepting school community helped bring some normalcy to my otherwise dysfunctional life. So to say I am now teaching in the place that helped give me that normalcy and accept me for who I was despite my struggles is a great privilege. When I look at this picture of me from 21 years ago, I see a naive little girl who doesn't have a clue how lucky she got in life. I could choose to focus on the things that make my life difficult or the things that didn't go right, but when it comes right down to it, I have been blessed more than most, and I recognize that more than you know. So despite my struggles, I'm here to say that life is pretty great. And every day is a celebration.
Celebrate This Week was established by Ruth Ayres
Oh I love the symmetry of teaching in the school where you were a student and how much it's given to you...both times! What an AWESOME picture!!! Happy Graduation to your students and happy summer to you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how life sometimes comes full circle. Now you have an opportunity to return to your students the support that you received during those rocky times. For me, those opportunities are what makes teaching so special. Happy celebration!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to connect the present to the past. Love the picture!
ReplyDeleteLove that you have found yourself back home, so to speak, and have had a great year. My oldest friend is my best friend from junior high. We are far apart, but still keep in touch. It's lovely to know someone who knew you when, isn't it? Love the picture!
ReplyDeleteMy first teaching job was with people who had taught me in junior high, different facility, but some of my teachers were still there. It's a blessing to celebrate with friends here each Saturday. So glad you can teach and offer support to students who need it at a critical time in their lives.
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