Bittersweet

Sitting behind a student last Friday, waiting for graduation to begin, I commented that next year it would be him down there.  His belief – it will be bittersweet. 

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this is the perfect word for a senior teacher as well.  As I watched my students walk toward their diplomas and new lives, I found myself both excited for them but a bit sad that memories will be all I have for the years to come.

As a teacher, I have always had to opportunity to see my previous students for a least another year as they move throughout high school.  This is the first time I will not have that luxury.  Now the end of the year is the end of high school for them. 

But I am thankful for the memories and the year of their lives shared.  As they move forward into a new arena, I hope that each finds the life dreamed and is willing to work diligently towards making it a reality, realizing both the positive and negative are a necessity toward adulthood – a bit bittersweet.

I'm From...

I'm from the sky and sea, soldier and seaman
a military family, courageous and strong.
From hard work, day shifts merging to night
my dad's broken back for his family's battle.
I'm from a family who's close – a split always mended;
at the end of the day they're needed, they're there.

I'm from open spaces, distance, and fun;
a sleeping bag beneath the stars,
worms on a hook, meat freshly butchered, nature adored.
I'm from mud on the ground, winding up in my hair
a victim of sneak attacks my dad has arranged.
I am waves finding land, toes sinking in sand
though the voyage be stormy, the port's worth the peril.

I am from the courts, the field, the track, and the course,
competition - my life.
I am Built Ford Tough and Wreck 'Em Tech.
From “It's how you handle the situation that defines who you are”.

I'm from love and laughter, peace and persistence.
I am dreams of education, money, a career.
I'm from the past, I am the present...the future beware.

Shelby Ollinger (c) 2010
Dumas High School
Published with permission

Where I’m From

 

I am from the dirt that my people sweep off their sidewalk.

From the streets of harsh death and life consuming drugs;

starvation and failure that makes helplessness seem like

a small stream of hope.

I am from back breaking work and tear streaked cheeks.

I am from rags and dirty hands.

From criticism and doubts that break your faith before you begin to believe

From encouragement and goals.

Rough hands and ink stained fingers.

I am from loud thoughts but quiet lips.

From polite smiles and meaningful looks.

I am from those who let go to be adopted by the better.

I am from a love greater than the heated passion and lust of two lovers.

From broken friendships and an incomprehensible excitement.

I am from the darkness consumed by those foul and sinister.

But brightened by the melodious words of those who believe.

I am from the misery that breaks you…

And the hope that keeps you alive.

 

Blanca Ruiz, Dumas High School

Published by permission © 2010

Rambling

I have got to be the world's worst when it comes to reading people. So, I guess I will just have to be me; to make the most of each day and leave the rest to the Lord. He cannot only read people well, but he also knows their heart. My goal: to truly take one day at a time and consider each moment precious. To let go and let God. (Be still and know that I am God.)

So hard to believe that the end of the school year is so close. First year teaching seniors, will definitely miss them once they graduate. Maybe the endings only enhance the beginnings. And thanks to memory, nothing ever really ends. At least not as long as memories remain strong. I hope as a teacher to create memories for others that make a positive difference in their lives and future endeavors.

To Write

Lord Byron:

But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.

Musings

Contemplating a new school year, I realize that one of the true bonuses of teaching arises from the unique opportunity to begin fresh each year. A new set of students, a new set of possibilities.  I look forward to the opportunities that await.

I have never bought into the philosophy: “Don’t smile until Christmas break”.  What’s up with that?  Does someone really believe that there will be any true success with students who are simply afraid or feel absolutely no connection at all?  Gaining a student’s respect while keeping standards high creates a much stronger learning environment, both for the student and the teacher. 

So tomorrow we begin anew.  Who knows what the journey holds, but I definitely look forward to the travel, smiling along the way.

Actively Inactive

“Hey, Mom, I am here and I am fine.” So thankful. “Oh, but there was an accident right in front of me.”

”Wait, WHAT?” Heart drops, stomach tightens, nausea sets in – then pure and complete thankfulness – God is good. I can’t remember how many times I prayed for her as she traveled.

The hardest job I’ve ever had doesn’t consist of actively “doing” anything, but of letting go and allowing my child to “do” on her own. Sitting back and allowing is much, much more difficult than actively “butting in”.

Thank you, Lord for the avenue of prayer. And thank you for caring about my child even more than I do. Help me to remember this and know that I can ALWAYS have an active part in her life through prayer.