3 days remain

The end of the year is fast approaching {only 3 more days to be exact!} and I am so excited. This end is very bittersweet because it is the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you all by now know, I have accepted a teaching position at my alma mater. On the one hand I am so excited to have the chance to give back to the school and teachers that gave so much to me, but on the other hand I am devastated to be leaving the familiarity, comfort, friends, and most importantly my students at my current school. I can't help but feel like I am letting them down just a little. These past couple of days my sophomores have been so sweet. My 3rd hour threw me a surprise going away party with food and presents {my favorite chisel tip dry erase markers, a hand-made scrapbook, a tiger stuffed animal, dark chocolate, and a picture frame they all signed to take to my new school next year} and my fourth hour gave me cookies, cards, gifts, and presents, too. Of course I loved all the gifts, but more importantly I loved their words they put into their cards. To see and read how they feel about me and the impact I've had on some of them really moves me to tears. I kept all of the cards to read until I got home so I wouldn't cry in front of them, but as I just now read them, I can't stop crying. Being a teacher is a lot of hard work. We see these kids more than their parents, sometimes. We have the opportunity to be a positive role model in their lives, while at the same time teaching them and watching them grow as young adults in their knowledge and lives. Teenagers get pretty bad raps from those who know them the least, while in the majority of the time they are sweet, caring, open-minded people ready to make a difference in our world. Now, I know I'm sounding all mushy, and at times I get a little frustrated with my students, but today is for remembering the good and celebrating why I do what I do. Like a proud momma, I took a picture of all my gifts and am sharing it with all of you. You may think it's dorky, and that's ok! I love it all and want to remember every bit of it! After all, they are my sweet angel babies ;-)!