11.19.2010
This is why...
It’s pretty strange to think of things this way… but sometimes it just is what it is… and it makes sense to me… When I just looked at the photo on the wall of my stepson, Tyler… it reminded me of so many things. Adolescence, confusion, hopes, fears, wonderings, joy, anger, frustration, a mute feeling… not knowing how to express myself when I was about 12 years old. Answering questions in monosyllabic utterances, knowing I had waaayyyy more to offer, but just couldn’t really navigate the map from my heart to my mouth. My thoughts were always lost – and right there – at the same time. And when I think to myself that it’s time for a new career, because of things getting too tough too strange … too stinkin’ challenging – and hey – I have a LIFE you know? I think of Gabe, who reminds me of Tyler.. and I think of kids like James, and Tiana, and Sam, and Robert, and Clara, Ronetta, Austin, Santos, Stephanie O, Rudy B, Oscar E, Terrance, Anetrielle, Jordan, Enmanuel (yes, even Enmanuel), and my Secret Sisters, and all the Sizzlin Summer Super Stars… and I smile… This is why I teach.
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I know exactly what you mean. I have been right there. Those kids really get to a good teacher. They are what you wake up to each day. "How can I make them see...understand...know just how important their youthful years are? They will not get them back. This is their chance to say,'I am here and I matter. I matter to myself and I matter to the world'."
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right! And that's a big struggle. My students seriously do not seem to know or value their place in the world. Very sad.
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