And I finally have all of these things to talk about! Tomorrow is my first day “in charge” of my classes, and I’m so excited. I’ve had a few days to get to know my students, and I’ve already learned quite a few names. I’m READY for tomorrow!
But, with everything I’ve experienced this week, as I sit here at home catching up on things online, there’s only one thing in my head… one student whose story I have yet to know in detail but whose story I heard enough about today to want to take her in my arms and make all her hurt go away.
She’s in 7th grade. She’s black. Her mother is in jail. Her dad is an addict. She lives with her grandmother. She was sold for sex when she was younger. She’s been raped many times.
Unfortunately, or thankfully?, you would never know it. She wanders the hall like a normal 7th grader. She jokes around with her friends. She laughs and teases and fits in. She’s not the best student, but she does alright. She’s not the most angelic, well-behaved student, but she does alright. She does alright.
Hearing her story today, the immensity of this job took my breath away. Teachers are asked to teach, to guide, to mentor… but teachers are also asked to care, to listen, to be there. To BE there.
This girl’s family has never been there for her. They took away her ability to attach. They took away her ability to trust.
I don’t know how to fix that. How to help her. How to not be one more adult in the long line of those who have disappointed her.
I’ve always thought that it would be so hard to be a vet because you can’t save them all. I never thought that the same reason would make it even harder to be a teacher.
Oh, honey. What a lesson. I’m so proud of you.
And I know — KNOW — that you will make a difference in the lives of every single student you have, especially the ones that need a teacher like you the most.
I concur, listen to your heart and good friends like Sarah….
I would love get an update and see how things are going. What new ideas you have and plans for the future.