I love when older people just find reasons for joy and having fun. So many are isolated or have had such hard lives that they don't believe that they can express a happy, happy, joy, joy moment.
I hope I'm like the lady I saw today when I get older--better yet, have someone with me who can appreciate my spunk.
I also experienced some acts of kindness today that made my day easier. One teacher took all my books from my former classroom and moved them all to my new classroom. Another teacher totally set up a room that we will share throughout the year. I found out about these kindnesses after they had been done! How cool!
Well, I meet the kids tomorrow. I have a few that I've had before and they are quite a trip. I saw one of my favorite, really nice (despite some really hard knocks in life) students leading the freshmen around and getting them psyched about tomorrow.
Coolness all around!
3 comments:
"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society." - Benjamin Franklin
The hard knocks often add a sensitivity to young minds, which can harden them against, or make them wildly receptive to the wisdom you offer them.
I challenge them to question, find answers, and then prove what they believe to be "truth." They soon realize that world is much bigger than them and that going beyond their respective bubbles is so important. When we engage in our discussions it is always with the bigger picture in mind. The learn that their truth might not be someone else's truth. It is only when we understand others that we understand ourselves and our beliefs. They enter quite set in their views (often quite liberal) and leave with a lot more perspective.
WOW! Now I am really excited to begin school! I used to teach American literature. I often made use of Ben Franklin's writings. :)
I'm rambling...but it's my blog! I try to express to the students that I sat where they sat, I share some of things I've experienced within much reason, and we have discussions where I sit with them. They come up with some amazing stuff. I might not always agree, but I'm not living their lives for them.
The young man I spoke of lost his father last summer after a long illness. I had him the previous year as a sophomore, too. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders and a lot of self-imposed pressure to be the man of the house. He went sleepless many nights. It was heartbreaking, but he never lost his desire to undersand, learn, and be an active participant in his education. It did my heart good to see him making a positive impact on the freshman. He's an awesome kid with an equally awesome sense of humor.
My job is tiresome a lot of the time, but grading and useless paperwork aside, interacting with these young people is the most awesome thing in the world.
Thanks for the heartfelt and awesome quote.
Good luck tomorrow!
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