I cannot believe that another school year is coming to a close; soon another graduating class will leave and the Fall semester will begin before I know it.
As a parent, I am able to see my son grow up. Now it is almost 10 years later and, in the Fall, he will enter grade 4. (Late birthday syndrome) :) Just like the parents this year, his high school graduation will be an emotional aspect for my husband and I. In the past 15 years, I've participated in and witnessed 10 years of seniors graduating. Every year, I see students get excited for that night as they are dressed in their cap and gown excited (yet nervous) about walking into the field house. What they don't realize is as the music plays, all eyes are on them. They stare and think how far they came, the accomplishments they created, and the failures they've felt. But it's all past them as they march into the room, sit in the seat (one last time), and wait patiently to walk the stage as they hear their name being called. But what many don't realize is that when eyes are on them as parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and siblings watch, the educators that got them there are also watching.
Yes, it is true. Teachers are human; on the last day of school, we watch our students walk the hall once last time as a student. Their final walk through the halls is to the field house where they see their families as they supported them through their journey since birth, and teachers see how they have grown in the few short years they knew them. In the 15 years that I've been at my current school, I've taught over two thousand students. And, believe it or not, I've watched them grow too. But I realized that they too get to move on. I don't expect anything from them but the best. I don't expect them to come back. And I don't expect them to say, "thank you." As long as I know that I have done my best to prepare them, that's all that I need.
It's a known fact that students will have good teachers and some bad teachers just like my son could have during his education. The confession of a teacher is hardly viewed because, truthfully, no one really knows. In all honesty, when I see my "kids" walk the stage, I hold back my emotions as I understand and have sacrificed with them. I've pushed them to be the best that they can be; I never gave up on them (even when they gave up on themselves); and, in my own way, I've encouraged them to see the other side of things.
But it's not just about what I teach. When a student needed to talk with me after school - I stayed (no matter what my plans might have been). When a student needed me during a lunch hour - I gave it up. When a student needed a quiet place to work during a plan time - I let them work. In the past 6 years, I gave up my lunch time for students. It's not to pat myself on the back, but it's because they needed me.
And just like every parent, when you don't feel needed anymore, the sadness begins. I figured that after 15 years, I should be used to it. But in all honesty, it gets harder each time. But seeing them begin their life, I know that I have had some part in their life, in some small fraction of a way.
A student that feels scared, becomes fearful, or nervous needs that confidence from
someone they trust. Whether my grading might be hard or how I mange a class, it's for their well-being. Whether they know it or not, I will sit with you and work as long as you are willing. I will help you through your struggles if you need me. I will just be there to listen if you need me to be.
But remember students...... I will not give up on you. With every breath that I take and every beat of my heart, I will be there for you when you need me. Graduation is not only for you or your families.... it's also for us, the teachers, that saw your growth throughout the years. Make the best of it. And as my son always says, "Make good choices."
Good luck Class of 2019! Make good choices but make sure you are making them for yourself and not others.
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