I go to a small, family church. I've been a member from birth, and I've known many of the parishioners my entire life. Today, my Pastor surprised me with a celebration in honor of my recent graduation. My family knew about it and invited special guests and everything. All week I had no idea. It was wonderful and humbling.
During my 2 minutes of remarks, I couldn't help but think of my students. The church was celebrating me and my degree, but none of that matters without my students. All of it is for them.
After thanking everyone, I gave an update on my first week of teaching, andI couldn't help but exclaim, "I'm a teacher--a real teacher!" I've been blessed to live my dreams--literally. I come from a loving environment. My family, my church, and other loved ones have spent my lifetime sowing good seeds into my life, nurturing my spirit and mind. They have strengthened me for the work ahead. My purpose now is to sow into the lives of my kids--pay it forward. I want to do everything within my power to make their dreams as much a reality as my own. Not to say that my kids don't come from loving and empowering environments, but I've been given far too much not to do my part to strengthen the next generation.
I love waking up in the morning. I get to go to Barton and spend the day with the best kids on the south side of Chicago. My fellow teachers are the most amazing people. I can barely keep track of time after school. The hours tick away as I move from room to room, talking with friends about the day, about our kids, about life. Some days it doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem like this is actually happening to me. There is no way I deserve any of it. I'm only half the person I know I should be, but here I am, living the life I want.
During my 2 minutes of remarks, I couldn't help but think of my students. The church was celebrating me and my degree, but none of that matters without my students. All of it is for them.
After thanking everyone, I gave an update on my first week of teaching, andI couldn't help but exclaim, "I'm a teacher--a real teacher!" I've been blessed to live my dreams--literally. I come from a loving environment. My family, my church, and other loved ones have spent my lifetime sowing good seeds into my life, nurturing my spirit and mind. They have strengthened me for the work ahead. My purpose now is to sow into the lives of my kids--pay it forward. I want to do everything within my power to make their dreams as much a reality as my own. Not to say that my kids don't come from loving and empowering environments, but I've been given far too much not to do my part to strengthen the next generation.
I love waking up in the morning. I get to go to Barton and spend the day with the best kids on the south side of Chicago. My fellow teachers are the most amazing people. I can barely keep track of time after school. The hours tick away as I move from room to room, talking with friends about the day, about our kids, about life. Some days it doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem like this is actually happening to me. There is no way I deserve any of it. I'm only half the person I know I should be, but here I am, living the life I want.
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