Tonight is graduation for the seniors at
our school. I get to read their names as they accept their diplomas. In
my typical fashion, I created a seating chart
and a list with reminders of pronunciations & emphasized syllables. It seems to me that it's just a drag if a name is said incorrectly in class, but it would be catastrophic in front of family
into a microphone. And I've been practicing (in the car, under my breath around the house) so I don't burst into sobs at any point during the ceremony; I found out yesterday that it will be streaming live on the school website. Suffice it to say I'm at least as nervous as the graduates about this gig.
I am thrilled for our students (thus the worry about bawling) because every one of them has had at least a couple more challenges than the average teen. To get to this point has meant an inordinate amount of blood, sweat, & tears (from them and us alike). It has been an honor teaching them, but I'm most rewarded by the times I connected with them outside of the classroom. I will get more kids to fill these emptying seats, but my heart will always have little pieces missing from the ones who move on.
He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying. ~Friedrich Nietzsche
12 comments:
I don't know if I could do it - the not bawling part.
I know YOU, however, will do a fabulous job. :)
And I like to think about the new students coming in, and how you and FH will save them in very real ways.
and just exactly what is wrong with a few tears ... you loved a whole bunch of 'em... so why not?
When I grow up I want to be a teacher just like you.
There's a certain gravitas incorporated into having one's entire name--first, middle, last--said slowly and deliberately and in front of many people. And it does produce tears. Good luck.
You'll do a great job! Good luck!
I'm sure you'll do fine. Now about that url for the live feed....
Awwww, you clearly have a very big heart to put to much love, energy and thought into such details. They are lucky kids!
you are an outstanding teacher. and an even more outstanding human being.
I spun the bottle and your blog came up! Check out my blog for the details!
Tammi
PS Northern Exposure is the best most relaxing series ever.
I watched it all! Those were some VERY excited kids. And I loved seeing those big guys hug one another and their principal (who is quite lovely). You did a marvelous job...many congrats on all you do to help these kids prepare for their future!
i think teachers are superheroes, and i love how serious you are about your kids!
I wanna come sit in one of those seats.
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