Bring on the apples.

There is no further confirmation that you're doing what you need to be doing than children's comments and actions. I was "mauled" by arms and hands as the the final minutes of school drifted away. I sat in the circle with a little tote bag with "Miss F" and my students' names scrawled across it. It was stuffed with teacher goodies that they got themselves (well, their parents). In their special number order, they went around and said what they wanted to thank me for. Yeah, any warm-blooded person would get all teary listening to it.



At that moment, I prayed that these kids wouldn't let the world change their generous and loving spirits. That their self-esteems wouldn't plummet when they get to 4th grade (or even 3rd grade). That they continue to smile and work hard through the difficult times. That they reach their potential. That they know that they are loved and wanted (despite the fact that they make you want to pull out your hair some days).

To hear that a child thanks you for your "awesome" choice of read-aloud books (something that is very dear to your heart in the first place) or just talking to them at recess sends your heart a-swellin'. To think that you helped that individual in some way or impressed a memory on them for the rest of their lives forces a kind of humility into your being.

You find purpose in the smiles of seven year olds. You find joy in the ah-ha moments lit up on their faces. You invest yourself in these young lives, financially and emotionally. These are the kids who will grow up to become our doctors, lawyers, salespeople, presidents, teachers, the list is endless... I can't wait to hear whom they might be in the next 10 years.

This is where I will make a difference. This is how I can change my corner of the world.

I wonder what September will bring. A whole new class of potential. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm going to LOVE my vacation over the next few months because heck, I need it... but I'm also really looking forward to my very own classroom when the leaves start changing again.

- Miss Chelsea :)