Milestone

This is a photo of my the FIRST class that I ever taught.
It was ten years ago this week that I completed my first year of teaching. I felt that I had moved the earth (just a little) because it felt like such a big accomplishment.
I was 22 years old and so full of ideals and goals and dreams for my career. I started that year thinking I would change lives and about half way through, I was wondering if I could change mine and perhaps take a different direction. . .The challenge of teaching and being responsible for a classroom of students and their education was a little overwhelming.

Now, here's the milestone. This sweet little class is GRADUATING from HIGH SCHOOL this week.
I know, you're thinking (gasp) she can't be that old! Is she really? How does time fly?

I am that old, they are graduating (and so is my baby brother this year) and time does fly. I hope that these students have gone far in their education and even more, I hope that they have learned that this is just the beginning of their education.

My wish is that I had a little part in building a foundation for a LOVE of LEARNING in these kids and all the kids I taught over the years. I hope that they go on to pursue the things that they love and accomplish great things and that they will ALWAYS be learning. And maybe, just maybe, some of them will go on to teach others. . .

Here is one of the few photos that I could dig up, of me with the class.

Thanks for a great initiation into teaching and congratulations kids!