Dear Shiny Penny,
I am so very proud of you. I'm not sure if that means much coming from me, but I feel compelled to tell you anyway. I think what you discovered and realized is just the beginning of all that is possible for you. I really do.
Oftentimes when I am asked by peers what I do, and I say that I'm a teacher, I receive mixed reactions. I guess people assume that I defaulted to my current career when something else didn't work out. I guess people assume that I'm a pauper pinching pennies to make ends meet. I guess people assume that I am like the worst teacher they ever had - bitter, grumpy, unkind.
I remember my first faculty meeting. There I sat at the tender age of 22 among colleagues twice my age. I didn't have a sweater on, I didn't have a tote bag, and I most certainly didn't dislike kids. I thought for sure I was better than these people and my arrogance likely perfumed the entire room as my ego got in the way of the opportunity I had to teach inner city kids.
Oh, my, how times have changed. I feel so grateful to do what I love, and I live for moments like today. Yes, yes, there are complete milk toast students in my midst and uncool kids to the n-th degree in some of my classes, but then there are the shiny pennies like you who just blow my mind.
I saw something in you - probably the first week of school - or maybe after your first email to me. At any rate, I saw something that caught my eye and it wasn't what you look like or how you dress or carry yourself. I saw potential. I saw someone who just needed a shot at becoming.
As I listened to you today and heard your words, I saw you walking on the path out of the swampland. I saw you dismantling the house you built in the muck. With each revelation, a brick was demolished and with each pause of recognition, a room was upended.
Love liberates, Shiny Penny. It doesn't bind. Believe that I am not wrong when I say that you are more than you give yourself credit for.
I am not your mama but if I were, I would give you the biggest hug and hold you for as long as I could in a safe embrace of acceptance and understanding.
You MADE MY DAY today, and for that, I thank you.
xoxo
❤️
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