It's hard to get this thought out of my mind: having students must be what having children is like.
Smiling with them.
Smiling for them.
Worrying about them.
Worrying for them.
Crying with them.
Crying for them.
But what happens when you have to say goodbye? For most parents, there comes a time when you must say goodbye, but at least there remains a peace of mind knowing that the last goodbye is further still. For a tragic few, even that small ounce of peace is shattered.
For the teacher, the experience appears to be different. Spending so much time with your students, you form relationships with them, see the people they are, and shape the person they will become. Perhaps without intending to, some students "grow on you," and you find yourself pouring your heart and soul into them. And yet, for all your work, for all your sacrifice, there always remains the looming departure when both parties go their separate ways. The roller coaster ride that is the school year always comes to an abrupt end. As teachers, we must not only accept this, but expect it as well. That is the only way to build the emotional strength to do our jobs.
But what if I'm already losing you? Don't you see, our time together is almost over? Don't you want to cherish these last few moments we will have together, before we must say good bye? I know I haven't given you what you deserve recently, but you should know I'm trying my best. I know you can't see or feel that, and I will never tell you for in order to protect the sanctity of my profession, but I can't help but wish you knew and understood. Maybe it will be a very long time from now, but I hope that one day you will remember me and remember what I did for you.
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