Journal: 12/17/05

I had an emotional day at school yesterday. Since it was the last day before Christmas break, there were happy feelings everywhere, and I was fortunate to share in them. Everyone was feeling unusually carefree. In my classes, the kids were attentive and polite, as usual, but there was also a noticeable joy bubbling at the surface. What really stirred up my feelings was a gift I received from my “secret santa” (a fellow teacher). He gave me a lovely paragraph he had written about my classroom, and about me as a teacher, and it brought tears to my eyes as I read it. It was a glowing tribute, unlike anything I have ever received before. I read it and then walked around my empty room in astonishment. I was astounded again, and even more so, when one of my 9th grade students shyly asked me if I would introduce her for her 9th grade speech. This is a great honor at our school. The speech is one of the highlights of the year for 9th graders, and any teacher would feel privileged to be asked to introduce a speech. I actually couldn’t believe it when she asked me. I was holding a piece of paper, and I remember it falling from my hand as I looked at her in bewilderment. She smiled and asked me again, and of course I said yes. When she left the room, I sat by myself, close to tears.