I miss greatness... students.

Don't worry... the best is at the bottom:

For my own record/ milestones of sorts:
1st and last time I was obviously given the finger by a student ? Once on 11/ 21/2012. Pretty good.

The number of times I have carved the word "fuck" into the word "book" on the old wooden lab science tables .... probably five. A old custodian ( plumber crack Pete) taught me that trick :)

The number of times I felt physically threatened? Once by a student last year 11/ 2011 & once by a drunken Dad at conferences in 1997 so that would be twice. Not bad. I sent the drunk Dad to Marty Longsdorf. I'm sure that she rehabilitated him right there on the spot :)

The one and only time I was LOUDLY called a bitch? Once last year 11/ 2011. I had a pencil thrown at my head by the same girl during the same "incident". She apologized sincerely two days later and we got along famously after that. She was way beyond her years because of family crap. A survivor for sure.

The number of times that I KNOW that I was called a bitch under someone's breath? Probably 4.

The number of times I've had something of value ( money , phone etc) stolen from me NEVER!!! WOW!

The number of times I have a student say "this SUCKS" and walk out of the room? Probably about 6.

The number of times I have stood my ground under above or similar circumstances with a student and asked them " Do you REALLY want to do this? Do you REALLY want to go there ? " Probably about 8-10. Never a good situation.

The number of my former students murdered? One that I know of. She is one of the still unsolved appalachian trail murders. It hit me hard when I heard about it. She was a true gem.

The number of my former students charged with murder? One that I know of. .... just two weeks ago. He is 17 and will be charged as an adult..a part of this "knockout game" crap sweeping the country. Sad. He was a really great kid..in 7th grade.

I have had two former students that I know of die before they were 17.. one by suicide one from an allergic reaction to something.

The number of things that I have witnessed students doing or saying or written that struck me as amazingly thoughtful, filled with love and caring innocence? Countless times. Nearly on a daily basis. I miss those times and I miss being around emerging greatness and love.

I was cognizant the entire time that I was teaching that I had received a great gift by virtue of simply being a teacher of being a very small part of God's plan for the future.

Here is what I wish for you:

I encourage you to consciously think of the things that you do as you go about your daily routines and responsibilities as gifts of goodness that figuratively change into angels; that these angels of goodness are cumulative and will someday, when needed, make this world a better place.

Teachers themselves are angels IMO. Have a great rest of the week!

Mary