There are many moments when I know I'm meant to be an educator. It's during a passionate conversation with a teacher where we dream about how school could be. It's when I'm able to connect with a student and build a relationship that I treasure. It's when I've learned a new idea or strategy that I can't wait to share with others.
Other times, my calling is made clear to me through my tears.
Today, I cried.
Today, I cried for a student who has an innocence about him that captures your heart.
Today, I cried for a teacher who hid her tears as she hugged him goodbye.
Today, I cried for myself because I learned the hard truth behind the saying that every student is one adult decision away from trauma.
Today, I cried.
As I broke down in my office after school, I thought about how my degree never prepared me for these moments. I thought about how I wasn't prepared to have my heart broken today. I thought about how I didn't know how I could come back tomorrow.
But, then I remembered that I can make a difference. Even if it's just with a smile, a hug, or a high five.
So...
Tomorrow, I will smile.
Tomorrow, I will have a renewed mission to tell my students I love them.
Tomorrow, I will do my best to care for my teachers and let them know how much I appreciate them.
Tomorrow, I will look at 350 students and be reminded that they need us.
Tomorrow, I will smile.
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