G R O W T H: Personal and Professional

   I am hired to teach immigrant and refugee children English, but as the year passes by they teach me about love, friendship, grace, and how to overcome any obstacle set in my path. My children have seen pain and they have seen joy. My kids choose to be and find happiness in each and every day. I simply teach them how to speak English. They teach me far more. I know as a teacher I am not supposed to have favorites, but after a year like this one it is impossible not to.
   One year ago I was slipping into the most depressed summer and period of time I have had so far in my life. I had no idea the pain and darkness I would feel in the upcoming months and I definitely didn't see the light on the horizon. I still remember the moment I spoke with my principal in his office and the words he spoke to me which I believe helped reset me onto the path I am on today. I can honestly say that today, one year later, I am back and my joy has been restored. I am stronger for the pain and darkness I experienced and I have many people, including my students to thank for that restoration.
     This year I had six refugee students who had been in our country for less than a year. They spoke and understood very little English. I laugh thinking of the beginning of the year where I sounded like a dog trainer, "Sit! Stop! NO!!" It seemed to happen all of a sudden that these children began to speak and express themselves. I'll never forget the moment one of my students exclaimed, "EXUUUUSE ME, MISS LETT, BUT THESE ARE NOT MINE!" I remember just looking at him and laughing! My kids keep me on my toes and inspire me to be a better teacher and a better person. They have overcome great hardship and have risen against all odds. I am in awe of their inability to give up. This trait, which they all possess has inspired me to train for a 10K. For the entire school year I told my children (who are far beyond grade level in every possible way, but never give up) that they can do anything that they put their mind to, that they are loved and that some day their hard work is going to pay off for them. They believe me. Why can't I believe me? Well, here's my chance to do something I find extremely difficult. My children have inspired me to sign on for something I could never see myself doing. I just know crossing that 10K finish line will be life changing and I owe it all to elementary school children who are beautiful and wise beyond their years.
      This year has also brought the beginning of graduate school. I love my classes and it feels great to work toward something your heart will not let you ignore--a passion burning and growing with each passing day to work with refugee and immigrant students and families. This year has brought great challenges and great joys. Ever since I was in high school I dreamed of hosting a cultural night for families. This May I had the chance to do just that with my amazing teaching partner. [She's another huge blessing of this year and could make up her own blog post.] We had the opportunity to host 150 children and families for a night of literacy and cultural/native language support. I was moved to tears when one mother said, "I just want to thank you for including all of us [8 languages/cultures represented] tonight; you have made us feel like important parts of this community." This statement moved me to tears [big shocker, I know]. This woman captured my desire in one sentence. These families are different, but that does not mean deficit. What a beautiful blessing it is to be surrounded by individuals who have overcome so much and still remain joyous.
     On the last day of groups I had a little party and presented my students with a pencil and poem:
    "I'm glad I was your teacher, I've come to love you so. I can't believe the end is here, I hate to see you go. Remember all the fun we had, in all the things we did, but most of all remember: you're a very special kid." I got to line two before the tears began to fall and I was unable to read to the end as I peered into the faces of children I love and respect so deeply. I asked a student to come up and finish the poem for me. After she finished I looked into the sea of beautiful faces looking back at me with such concern. I asked them if they knew why I was crying. Their response: "Because you love us." Yes. If I have taught you anything this year, I hope that is what you take away. You are loved and you are worth loving.
       My friend has one of my students mainstreamed into her class. She assigned a writing assignment in which the students needed to write about the best party they have attended. Below is a photo of what one of my students responded. My heart. Oh how it bursts.

"It was so fun that I have a party with her and she gave me a present
and she cried and she said she loves me and her group."

      I have no idea what the Fall will bring for me, but what I do know without a doubt is that I have found the population with which I desire to work. I know that I am doing what I'm meant to do because I can barely talk about it without getting emotional. I am truly living my dreams. My pockets may be empty, but my heart is bursting at the seams.