It was a beautiful fall day here in Michigan (with the exception of a few rain showers) and I can’t help but think about how lucky and blessed I am. We’re now over half done with the month of October - time is sure flying by. My kids are still as amazing as ever, I love my job, and I have wonderful friends and family. Yes, my days at Crockett are long and can be stressful at times, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Each day, as I teach my students math, they teach me many life lessons – I know I’m learning too!
Did I happen to mention that my kids are amazing?!?! Well, they are – they rock! They never cease to amaze me – yes, I do get frustrated at times and there are times when they totally confuse me, but at the end of each day, I look back and see how wonderful they really are. They’re learning – yes, they actually are – and it is the most amazing thing to see. To see a student grasp a new topic or when a student finally understands a math problem they’ve been struggling with, it’s so worth the late nights and weekends spent lesson planning and grading papers. When a student runs up and hugs you after their football game or tells you that you’re the first teacher that has ever cared about them, it really impacts you in such a positive way. It makes me want to work harder – creating better lesson plans and engaging classroom activities. It makes me want to spend more hours each day at school, making my classroom a welcoming learning environment for these kids. They really are amazing – believe me!
This past weekend, my friend Paige flew in to visit. She arrived in Detroit on Saturday afternoon, just in time for the City Championship football game. Although we didn’t win, my kids LOVED having her at the game – she even got a hug or two after the game. She also got a tour of Detroit…next time any of you see her, make sure you ask her what three things she noticed about Detroit. She visited school with me on Monday – she loved my kids & they really loved her. It was great having someone from home out for a visit – I hope she visits again soon.
Back in August, I packed up my car & headed to Detroit and I was sure this was going to be a two year stop for me & that was it. I was going to spend my two years here & head back to Minnesota and the live I was used to. Well, seasons change and so have I. Just eight short weeks into my time in Detroit, I realize that this has been one of the most profound, humbling experiences of my life. It also puts a lot into perspective and I’m reminded to count my blessings and say thank you every single day. I can’t imagine not being there when my 10th graders graduate – these kids mean the world to me – this isn’t something they do, this is something we’re doing together. I can’t wait to be there each step of the way – teaching them and learning from them. This is something we need to do together!
Once again, I encourage everyone to come to Detroit for a visit. It’s really an interesting city – you’ll be amazed. I wish I could describe this city, but I’m not sure there are words. Anytime you’re up for a visit, please let me know!
