I made it through the first day of school. This morning was especially tough. Partially because I didn't really feel ready, but mostly because it hit me that I have to get up everyday and do this, leaving my kids behind. I'll admit that I was very teary and emotional as I walked out my house where everyone was still sleeping. I even went back upstairs to simply see my kids one last time. I feel so blessed to have been able to stay home with my kids for the last five years, but anyone who knows me knows that I would stay home with them forever if I could. But such is life.
Once the tears passed, I was actually looking forward to seeing the students. I had forgotten how small middle schoolers are compared to the high school students. They are all still so small and cute. And when the homeroom bell rang, the kids came, whether I was ready or not. As I saw their anxious, smiling faces, all I could think about was that these kids were someone else's sons and daughters. I never really thought much about that before coming back to teaching, but I know it will make me a different teacher, a better teacher. Last year a retiring teacher told me, "Treat every kid like he or she was your own." When I initially heard that it gave me chills, but this morning when those kids walked into my class, I finally realized what she meant.
Today teaching was secondary. I made it through the day and even learned a little in the process.
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