In other news, I saw this video today that brought one of my coworkers (a relatively new mom, unsurprisingly) to tearing up. While we riffed a bit about trying a more comical version of this activity with other kids, the concept that we learn to recognize one another based on much more than sight resonated too. Would I be able to "sniff out" the people I care about most, as one child did? Unlikely...as I would not be apt to want to use that technique, but could I figure out people based on other qualities? I would like to hope so. How do we tell people apart? What causes people to be so unique? I'm starting to wax cliche, so I'm capping that off, while I let my mind wander.
After talking to my professional mentor and being inspired by what she has done, I started to write back to the responses I got to my "Something I wish my teacher knew..." notes. I found myself thinking back to the activity I did a few months ago...I felt like there was a divide or imperceptible separation between my care for my class and their perception. I wrote individualized compliments to each child, and dug deep. This new response of responding to what they wish I knew is, as Dave encourages me every time I see him, helping me to become a better teacher each day. While this year has by far had its ups and downs, I don't know if I have ever felt so needed or emotionally connected to a class of unique human beings. & never do I think I have had such a deeply introspective crew of young adults. With only a few weeks left in the year, I cannot wait to see what these kids do with their passion projects and action...& I cannot wait to see them in 10 years, when they have really started spreading the impact of their lives to others.
Enough shop talk for one day...I have noticed a significant uptick in the number of spiritual conversations I have had lately as well. I am so thankful that there are people surrounding me that are willing to share deeply personal struggles and the seed thoughts from God helping them through those struggles to daily victories. I am grateful for people who are readily moved to show appreciation & care for others even by reaching out to share a thought too. I hope some days I am unknowingly that person for others, but not by my own strength or words.
I have been reminiscing about Grandpa the past few days and reflecting on how quickly natural strength ebbed and how much more quickly I felt close to him as a direct result of his willingness to be vulnerable & depend on others for natural needs, as he confirmed his settlement spiritually. I am now down to a single living grandparent. It is an unusual feeling, and one that stings of a desire to know more about those I have lost, and more still about those that I have not yet. Who knows how long any of us have & I have been reminded time and again this year of the need to "Carpe diem," as my favorite high school English teacher would say.
I'm off to nurse this sunburn I got at the track meet today as the result of stupidity & go look at pictures of an adorable new baby cousin...au revoir for now.
Parting question: How do you measure success?
Songspiration (of the mellow variety today):
Here We Are - Partrick Park
I Remember - Whitley
We are the Tide - Blind Pilot
And Then You - Greg Laswell
Boy with a Coin - Iron & Wine
September - Earth, Wind & Fire (because who doesn't like flashbacks to dancing with their dad in the living room?)
Chain - Fleetwood Mac
You are my Sunshine - Copeland (because this is the song Grandpa E always sang to us & I'm feeling nostalgic today)
Budapest - George Ezra (in case you live under a rock & missed this gem)
Goofy Links:
Fritz Learns to Catch (because our team used it to show what perseverance looks like to the kids)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ains, love you so much!
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