Confession

I can honestly say that I will miss being in the classroom. Like most teachers, I've had good years and bad, many of which were determined by the students themselves (and in some cases their parents). The Lord has definitely blessed me with some wonderful students this year, though. Really. Though a couple of my classes are a bit too social at times, the students themselves are very likable and personable. I can actually be myself with them yet also instruct them. Case in point: the above picture. For homecoming last Friday, the juniors donned their gold to show their school spirit. When I looked out at my fourth period, I saw a sea of gold. I have not seen that sort of spirit in years! Their excitement and enthusiasm made me smile. Of course, when a couple students asked if they could take a picture, I couldn't deny them, so everyone sporting school spirit (and a few who felt the spirit but just didn't have the right apparel) jumped in the photo. (The "x" some of them are making is for Class of 2010.) Again, I'm really going to miss these guys.

Of course, it's not just current students that I'm going to miss. As a teacher, there's no greater satisfaction than a thanks or a visit from a former student. I wonder if students realize how much joy they can bring their teachers just by stopping by to visit. Perhaps this year more than most, I've had several students who have passed through my class stop by just to chat. Those visits remind me that this indeed was (and is) my calling. Like most other professions, we teachers need to be reminded at times that we're doing a great job, and that we're making a difference. What better reminder than from the students we teach? More evidence to that? The picture below. This was taken on Career Day (homecoming week). Nicole came dressed as me, complete with the pregnant bump! Nicole's one of those students who affirmed and thanked me regularly, not just as a former student, but when she was actually in my classroom, too. She also happened to be the first student that I told of my pregnancy (and boy, was she thrilled!). Again, students like Nicole and like my fourth period are why I teach... and why I'll leave the classroom with mixed feelings once our little girl arrives.