I’ve been sitting at my desk at school thinking about the last few years as a high school educator. I’ve had a wonderful career, even with the tumultuous ups and downs that I talk about in "My Teachable Moments". As this chapter of my life comes to a close, I realize that I’ve been blessed in many ways, and it is time to write out everything that I am grateful for.
Just what is gratitude? To me is much more than saying “thank you” to someone for doing something for me, because being truly grateful requires much more than that. To truly experience, with emotion, thankfulness deep within is a wonderful feeling. My variation of gratitude is acknowledging the source of goodness in one's life and feeling a sense of connection to something beyond oneself, whether it's other people, nature, or a higher power.
I am eternally grateful for the students I’ve had the honor to teach, guide, and mentor. There are thousands I feel that I’ve affected in some way, hopefully in a positive light.
Last fall, when I felt very sad and low, I posted a note on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok asking students for memorable moments in my classroom, I needed to know that I was making a difference, so I asked the kids who have experienced my classroom (many are adults with families now).
I received hundreds of responses to the social media posts, via DM, and via email. Trust, safety, genuineness, and humor were mentioned, and I will forever be grateful knowing that my values were demonstrated as part of what they experienced.
While dwelling over everything I have had to be thankful for as a teacher, I happened to overhear the voice of a student that was in my class last year. He comes by every day to visit and I would like to finish off this blog post with a gratitude statement that encompasses this sweet student.
I am joyous, with a full heart, because a student comes by my room to give me a hug each day. He gives the greatest hugs and regularly tells me that he loves me and will miss me upon his graduation.
My cup runs over with gratitude and thankfulness, not just today, but every day.
