Reflections

As the school year officially came to an end yesterday, I found myself in a familiar spot - reflecting on all that I’d experienced this year. Being honest, this was probably my least favorite year of teaching ever and, while I know that sounds terrible, let me share a little more as to why!!

I always love the return to school and the excitement of meeting the new kiddos that will become my ‘family’ for the year. This year was no different and, after “Meet the Teacher” day, I knew this was going to be another awesome group of kids that I’d have the privilege of sharing time with. Even after falling off a horse and spending a few days in the hospital those first few weeks, time flew by and was filled with fun, laughter, oh and yes, a little bit of learning!!

It’s amazing how, in the blink of an eye, everything can change. October 17, 2023 was that day for me and I can honestly say that the loss of my Dad is something I know I won’t ever get over and will, instead, learn to ‘adapt’ to my new normal without him physically in it. I can honestly say that grief is a true thief and the remainder of the first semester was a blur, with the only thing keeping me going was the relief of winter break and the opportunity to re-set.

And then came February!! Just as I thought life was becoming a little calmer, the universe decided to show me that once again, things can change in an instant! Taking leave to journey through some challenges with my son was again, not on my plan for the school year and, no matter what, he will always come first and so time off is what I did.

Returning to school for the final two weeks was a blessing … and not! To be greeted by my students with such huge hugs and smiles reminded me why I choose to do the job I do. It reminded me that no matter what they learn academically, it is the way my students learn to interact with each other and the world around them that is the real gift. In spite of my time away throughout the year, those students knew that my room was a place that was filled with unconditional love and acceptance where they could take risks and grow. Those precious smiles, the eyes that lit up as they saw my face, it reminded me of my ‘why’ and I am beyond grateful for that.

As I packed up my final things yesterday and closed the door on the classroom where I’ve ‘lived’ the past couple of years, I reflected on the memories it will forever hold for me. I have been blessed with some of the most amazing students and experiences in those four walls, while also facing some of the most challenging moments of my life, both personally and professionally. Sometimes I wonder if I would choose to go through it all again, that joy, pain, and the reality that some people are just plain ugly. And while my first response would be ‘H*$!L NO’, I realize it is through some of the biggest struggles in life that we remember how our light can never be extinguished UNLESS we choose to allow it!

So yeah, that’s my thoughts on the 2023 - 2024 school year!! I am beyond excited for summer and relish the gift of being able to spend time building memories with my family. You see, the biggest thing I’ve learned this year is that no matter what life throws at you, family is my number one reason for doing this thing called life! Consequently, as I reflect on the end of this chapter, I realize that in spite of what the universe threw at me, I survived AND I thrived.

Here’s to life - the ups, the downs, the kind, and the mean - and to remind you that when you refuse to let anyone put out your fire, your flame will always SHINE bright!!