“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”
As a teacher, my least favorite time of the year was the end of May. While others were anxiously awaiting the last day of school and the freedom of summer, I was a depressed wreck. I am no good at goodbyes and never have been. All I could think of at the end of the school year was that there were students moving over the summer that I would never see again, and even those that came back the following year would be in the opposite wing of the building and would rarely cross my path.
When the last day of school finally came, I was always a mess. I never slept the night before because my mind would race with thoughts that I wanted to remember to share the next day - the last bit of wisdom that I just MUST bestow upon my students. So I was always tired and would have tears before I even pulled into the school parking lot. Students would always have cameras to take pictures, and I always looked like I was suffering from a horrible allergic reaction that had swollen my face. The day went by way too quickly, of course, and before I knew it...it was over. Another year in the books, another 130 students that I may never see or talk to again.
What a horrible way to look at the situation! I am so happy to say that I have a much better attitude now. This is only my second year of teaching ETP, but I can tell you that the feelings I have this year are exactly like those of last year. And I can honestly tell you that I have grown in the way that I approach the last day of class.
Instead of crying, I now whine and complain to anyone that will listen ("I can't believe there isn't SOME other CADRE class that UNO will let me teach!" "It's just unbelievable that they give these people credit for spending just 16 days in class - they should have to do at least twice that!") Instead of staying up all night worrying about forgetting words of wisdom, I stay up all night giving feedback on assignments.
And really, why worry about not seeing any of the CADRE cohort again? I know where every single one of them will be for at least the next 12 months! I know that I will see them when they all attend CADREpalooza in July. I know that if I ask, they will let me come visit their classrooms. And, most of all, I now know that when I teach again next summer, they will pop in and say hello and tell me how their year is going and how crazy it is that the year has flown by as fast as it has.
Seriously, I have so enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you in these weeks that have sped by at lightning speed. I have learned so much about and from each of you and my life has been made richer for knowing you. Please know that my work with you does not have to end when you get your grade. If you ever need anything - a letter of recommendation, someone to read to your class, a teaching idea, help writing a paper, research on a topic, a new kidney - I am always available for you. You have given me so much just by bringing your energy and enthusiasm to class each day, you re-energize me and remind me why I became a teacher in the first place.
I wish you all the best of luck this year. You will get tired of being asked to reflect, but do me a favor and do just that. Take a quiet moment every now and then and reflect on all that you have accomplished, on the wonderful people that you have met and become friends with, and on the students that have enriched your lives just as you have enriched mine. And then smile because it happened.
Holy Moly Kelly! You have me in tears. I'm such an emotional person anyways, but I get super sappy over good-byes. You are always welcome in my class. Drop in anytime. I can always use the feedback and/or the emotional support! :) And, hopefully when this is all over... I won't need your kidney. :)
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