An Open Message To My Students

         After being an educator for twenty-nine years, and teaching at the secondary level for twenty-seven years, I have instructed my fair share of students. I have taught the brightest of the bright, the slackers, the druggies, the jocks, the introverts, the absentees, the gang bangers (wannabes or otherwise), the spirit leaders, and immigrant kids from all over the world. While teaching was never an easy job, it was a rewarding one. It was my life. Folks often say that teaching isn’t a profession; it’s a lifestyle. They are correct.

            I have watched my high school students graduate, some choosing a trade, a job, or college. Some have chosen to travel or wander in hopes of figuring life out. Whatever route one has taken, it’s a personal choice and the directions my students have taken have depended on many things – money, family support, desire, tenacity, legal status, and plain old-fashioned hard work. I have had the privilege of staying in touch with many of my students throughout the years, and I must say I am very impressed by the productive adults they are. Many have families; others do not, well, not in the traditional sense – Mom, Dad, two kids, and a dog. Still, no matter what, I can see that my former students have forged families their ways and have places to call home. Many have found their voices and stand proud - gay, straight, queer, bi-sexual, transgender. A very few have made poor choices and have spent time in jail. I am assuming they learned something. Whatever “my kids” have chosen, however, it has been their choice. Theirs. They are as diverse as the universe, as colorful as a rainbow, and harbor all the feelings and emotions all of us do. They are humans, worthy of kindness, of respect, of support, of love.

            In the last week or so I have thought a great deal about my teaching days. I remember many teens who passed through my classes and touched my life, usually in a positive manner although a tiny fraction of negative interactions still sting. For those who have found success, I applaud you. I am happy for you. For the strugglers, I urge you never to give up. Keep moving forward. Dig down. Do it. For the visionaries, keep imagining a better world. We need you now more than ever; your idealism feeds the spirit. For dreamers and immigrants whose status is unclear, I encourage you to stay strong in the face of uncertainty. I think of you most these days because I know life at times has been a struggle. I wish the world could understand your integrity, your work ethic, your intelligence, your talents, your love of family, and your humility. I wish.

            If I had it to do all over again I’m not sure I’d become a teacher. Though I loved my job, the responsibilities were often too awesome, too burdensome, too challenging for words. I sought not to be the instructor but the guide, helping kids find their way. If I did that for a single one, or more than one, I suppose my lifestyle choice was not in vain. 

            And to all my students, I want to thank you for teaching me too. I have learned your dreams, your angst, your aspirations, your talents, your cultures, your humanity – all gifts you did not realize you were giving. So, thanks! 

 

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