Book Ends

Today was the start of another wonderful school year at ODY (we'll call it that because I can't actually divulge the name). The day that I have been anxiously awaiting since I returned from Romania turned out to be better than expected.

We'll call today my book end day. I felt confident walking in this morning - then I walked down the main hallway and passed one of my favorite students from last year (who are we kidding, of all time, my first son's middle name will be his). His little face lit up the way it does when he's trying to be too cool, and with a quick "hey kid," I smiled and felt the familiar drop in my stomach at the sight of a child I've invested so much in.

You could say that the end of my day was somewhat the same. I spent most of my time between classes high five-ing former students and flashing a grin that I couldn't seem to contain. I won't lie, it feels good to feel wanted, to be popular amongst kids you've worked so hard to help educate. By the time school was over and the seniors had come to fetch the new sixth graders, I had taken to wandering the halls searching for one more face. Seeing the flash of a taller, curly mohawk, I couldn't contain my excitement and pride in a kid who I can only pray, will one day grow to be a remarkable young man. He made the JV soccer team. Thank God.

The biggest mistake we make as educators, mentors.. as human beings is writing off those most difficult around us. I spent the better part of my six months at ODY last year watching, horrified, as staff outwardly vocalized their distaste for certain students. Those students [naturally] turned out to be my favorite kids. Strangely, children of all ages have a way of touching your heart in such a profound way, it's difficult to describe really. You can't ever get back the piece of your heart you leave with the children you've worked with.

I cried myself home today, praying that I will be a blessing to the new students and staff I work with this year, but also that God will provide me the opportunity to continue the relationships I've built already. No matter how much taller those boys get, they will always be the first students I ever worked with, and the ones I love the most.

Wilma: I feel like you need to put together a documentary.
Me: Funny you should say that.

Tomorrow I start photographing for the school. I cannot begin to express how happy I am at being given the opportunity to put one of my passions to good use at work.