I am so thankful to have been selected to join Teach for America. I am only a few months into this experience and I have felt so many emotions; from doubt, to frustration, to joy. I have learned so much about myself in these past few months and I know it has only just begun. I cannot wait to see what the next few years hold.
This week, I took a few hours (yes, a few hours) out of my time to write each and every one of my students a card for Thanksgiving. First, I prayed that God would give me the right words for each of my students in order for me to make the biggest impact I could in a short paragraph for each student. I was surprised to find that I was able to find positive words to say to each and every one of my students, even the ones that I struggle with the most. I was so pleased to realize that, what I thought might end up being a chore, actually was so fulfilling to me. I realized that, yes, even the kids that test my patience every day mean SO MUCH to me. Every single student I have has something positive to offer and I MEANT every single word I wrote to them.
When they received their cards, they all opened them up right away and read them and were passing their cards around to show their classmates what I had written. They looked so genuinely happy to have received kind words from their teacher. Then, I realized that I would have loved to receive cards from my teachers to know just how each teacher felt about me. After all, our kids aren't mind readers.
The rest of the week ended up being lovely, and I truly believe that the cards had something to do with it. I received the best gift of all from my students when they prepared cards for my mother and sister's visit to the school. They told my family such wonderful things about me as a teacher and my class.
These students have taught me just as much as I have taught them. For that, I am infinitely thankful.
CRC
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