Wow! I haven't been here in forever. And there's a reason why.
My past year was from Hell. Honestly.
I learned a lot of life lessons, that perhaps I should have learned at an earlier age. Maybe I always had them in my toolbox, but was just blind sighted by the cruelty that humanity can throw at a person.
I learned this past year that people's own interest will always override friendships. To the point where they will be downright cruel to you. I have been hurt. I'm sick of politics. People who I thought were friends only had their self-interests at heart. You know who you are. Is it immature of me to put this in a blog post? Perhaps. Please don't ask me for favors in the future. You will not get them.
I received numerous great letters from my students at the end of the year that made me cry. I have always been an advocate that middle school is more about personal growth than the subject matter. Kids are changing at a rapid rate and need to be self-aware. I try to be there for them, not only at an academic level but at a social level as well. It's why I do an amazing Writer's Club (those guys make my week)! And help out with the Yearbook. I ask kids - both in Spanish and English - how they are doing. I truly want to know. One student wrote to me, "You have the charisma to connect with your students unlike any teacher I have ever encountered before." Oh, the tears! I want my kids (as I always call them) to leave my classroom as better human beings - above all else. I want them to love themselves. Stand tall. Talk with confidence - in both Spanish and English.
I recently said that I have "120 souls" each year. And that I do. They are not merely people. They are souls - filled with loves and hates and hopes and aspirations. These kids are on the cusp of identity. It's my job to help them grow - both with Spanish AND identities. I remember going to the NELMS conference and hearing just that. I was so HAPPY! We do so much more than just teach a subject! Please, administrators, when doing our annual reviews take that into consideration. It's not just Spanish. Or Language Arts. Or History. Or Math. It's building confidence and self-esteem in a child who is going through what is probably the toughest part of his/her life.
I love my job teaching. I stalk my online system each day to see what kids I have for next year, as I'm that excited. With all the needless paperwork and such, I still treasure that connection in the classroom. My students keep me going, year after year. I truly adore them. It's why I left a great job in corporate recruiting for education.
Hugs to all. Above all, please stop putting pressure on your kids. They are awesome beings just as they are. Love them. Hug them. They will end up amazing human beings. Their happiness is paramount. REMEMBER THAT!
