I can't decide if I want to get off of this rollercoaster ... Post 3

This time of the year can be extremely difficult for many students. I am not just referring to our students, but I am also referring to ourselves. I know that graduation is quickly approaching, and staying focused and determined can be difficult for all of us. Spring Break has come and gone, and the summer is just over the horizon. We tend to feel overwhelmed with all of the tasks that we must complete. We all know that this is a long, hard, difficult road, but the rewards we reap will be extraordinary!

This year, my students and I have been through a rollercoaster in and out of the classroom. We all know that life happens and the best that you can do is take it all in strides (occasionally baby steps if needed).  I did not fully understand how much my students cared for me until a couple of events made me realize it. I’m not saying that I underestimated my students, I was just not fully sure that I had made an impact on them. I was gone for a few days from my placement this semester due to the passing of my father. When I returned, my cooperating teacher had mentioned to me that she had to tell our students where I had been. She apologized to me because she did not want me to feel like I needed to talk about it, but she stated that our students were showing concern when I had not returned after a day or two. Throughout my first day back, many of my students did not mention my absence. However, it was the students who gave me the thoughtful smiles or the comforting words (“Ms. It’s great to have you back.” Or, “Hey Ms. Glad to see you’re doing alright.”) that meant the most.

At the middle school level, we have already helped our students complete high school enrollment. We are preparing them for state assessments and any end of the year/semester finals that they will have to complete. We are also preparing them for their end of the year celebration ceremony. In discussing this with a couple different classes, one student asked when my last with them was. I told the students when my official last day was according to our university calendar. A few of my students seemed disappointed. I chuckled to myself, but my students obviously didn’t understand what could be amusing. I looked at this group of students before me, the same group of students that I started in August with. I smiled and told them that I had started the year out with them and that I would end it with them. My last day, would be their last day. The students loved hearing that. As word spread from student to student that day about my commitment to them they all seemed in better spirits in the classroom. I had questions all day because some of the students couldn’t believe that I would give up the beginning of my summer break to spend their last days at school with them. When my cooperating teacher and I reflected on the day, I realized how much of an impact I have had on these students. We both agreed that these students may not officially be “my class,” but they are my students. There is a mutual respect and admiration that has grown between us.  

As we wind down the school year, many of my students have already shown signs of what we all refer to as “senioritis.” I can also admit that I believe that I am coming down with the same ailment. A group of my students jokingly mentioned to me one day that they “had my back.” The more I think about that, the more I realized that if they have my back then I had theirs too. As teachers, we strive to make sure that we have prepared our students as best as we can for their future. We know that we can only push them as far as they will allow us to. The best thing that we can all do is strive to persevere.