I am officially done student teaching. Today was my last day with the kids and it definitely broke my heart to leave them. I’m excited for my own classroom, but I really will miss those kids though. BUT they gave me some gifts to remember them by. The 4th graders made me going away cards and I now have my first poster to put on the wall of my office next year, made and signed by the kids in band.
As I look back on this semester, there definitely has been a lot of growth in me. I came into the semester not wanting to be a teacher AT ALL. I wanted to be a performance major and that was that. But the kids definitely changed my mind. Leaving today was so hard, as I am so attached to each and every one of them. Even though sometimes they drive me CRAZY, I wouldn’t change it. And now I am turning down grad school to be a teacher. Who would have thought?! I’ve learned a lot about myself, a lot about kids, a lot about my friends, and a lot about the world.
I was reminded today of what teaching is all about. As I was giving my last goodbyes to the 4th graders, a student that normally is a bit rebellious, occasionally disruptive and not well liked by many of the other teachers (he’s a student that usually seems to be written off by teachers and other students. Although I must admit, he is one of my favorites) came up and gave me a HUGE hug. And he wouldn’t let go. He kinda started crying a little bit. And he finally let go and looked up and said “Miss Harris, I will reeeaallllly miss you!!” And he gave me another giant hug. And it hit me right then that THAT is what teaching is all about. Reaching the kids that no one else will. I felt like I made a difference in his life. Two years down the road, he may not remember me or anything that happened in 4th grade music class, but RIGHT NOW, in 2011, I was the encourager and supporter that he needed, and I’m glad that I could make his life a little better. Even if it was only a half-hour, twice a week. Teaching is about being Jesus to the people and students who may never have a chance to see Him. It’s about showing His love to the kids, because they may not have anyone else who loves them. It’s what life is about!
I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to be with these kids this semester! Hopefully they learned something from me, because they sure did teach me a lot!
