A few weeks ago, just after the political conventions were over, I posted the above status to Facebook. It was one of the most liked posts I have ever shared. Sharing the impact that diversity had on the size of my heart seemed to resonate with my friends as over 400 of them reacted to it in some way on my page. My heart definitely got bigger that day because of my friends.
The past few days I have reflected on the status and couldn’t help but think about how my 13 years in the classroom made my heart bigger as well. As I sit here today, on the eve of the first day of school for yet another year, I’d like to rewrite the status as an educator. Although I am not in a specific school this year, my heart still grows everyday because of the experiences I had as a classroom teacher. I hope this will encourage all of my teacher friends as they start their journey through the next 180 days with a new bunch of kids that will definitely make their hearts bigger!
My heart is bigger because I spend hours longer than my contract says working for students.
My heart is bigger because I have carried a bleeding student from the playground to the nurse.
My heart is bigger because I gave high fives at the door every morning.
My heart is bigger because I stood up for parents in an IEP meeting.
My heart is bigger because I took time to learn about students who believed differently than me.
My heart is bigger because I learned to count carbs for my diabetic kids.
My heart is bigger because I went to watch students play sports, dance in recitals, or perform in karate exhibitions.
My heart is bigger because I cried with students who lost a parent.
My heart is bigger because I gave up a Saturday to go to a student’s birthday party.
My heart is bigger because I spent my own money for students supplies.
My heart is bigger because I sneaked snacks in backpacks before the weekend because I know they need it.
My heart is bigger because I sat in the floor to read with students.
My heart is bigger because I wiped snot and tears off of precious faces.
My heart is bigger because I liked to slide and swing at recess instead of sitting on the teacher bench.
My heart is bigger because of the never ending supply of student drawings and colorings that covered my walls and fridge.
My heart is bigger because the only thing these letters ever meant to me were…
A= Awesome B=Beautiful C=Champion D=Dynamic F=Fantastic
My heart is bigger because I saw students as humans and not a test score.
My heart is bigger because my classroom was full of grace and not judgement.
My heart is bigger because of Jamie, Cade, Hannah, Zylan, Daniel, Blake, Alli, Renazia, Tatiana, Makel, Christian, Brayden, Noah, Sarai, Jordan, Grace, Destiny, Makenzie, Nicholas, Keyona, Mia, Makyah, Corbin, Cody, Octavia, Miles, Ethan, Elijah, Kyle, and SO. MANY. MORE!
My heart is bigger because I loved students first, and taught them second.
As the year begins, the paper work piles up, and the lesson plans don’t work out quite like they should, just remember…
Your heart is getting bigger!
Thank you, my heart is bigger because I know you and you have always encouraged me, made me think and rethink, shown me that is soooo ok to be out of the box, especially since I could never fit in one. Love you my friend and thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteDog gone it Jed. Each time I read these, you make me want to come out of retirement. I miss my kids but am needed at home. You make my heart grow bigger too! Pass the tissues!
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