The academic year is drawing to a close. While there were times when I thought June would never arrive, of course, it did and with its arrival I begin to feel a familiar mixture of sadness and excitement. Working with teenagers is a privilege and I truly love watching these kids grow up - what an amazing thing it is to see their eyes open and their wings unfurl. Boys whom I first came to know as gangly freshman, are now semi-self-assured seniors, heading out to greet, and perhaps conquer, the world. Awkward girls are growing into their powers and taking measure of what is the appropriate amount of self to give away. So much hope and promise, so many goals and dreams.
Walking through the hallways is a melancholy stroll as the display cabinets which formerly boasted of our students' talents now reflect emptiness. Their absence is already apparent. The genius which had been duly exhibited for public appreciation has now been removed as the students prepare for their next step in life. I've witnessed this transition more than a dozen times, yet each year it feels as if I am freshly experiencing this cycle of growth and change. The summer is filled with exciting prospects, but, for right now, I will try to hold on to these last days shared with this year's graduating seniors. You know I wish you all the best.
image from zazzle.com
The thing I miss the most about not working in a school building is the students...such energy!
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