As this week's events unfold, my thoughts turn to an entire group of kids that truly kept me ON MY TOES six years ago when I started my journey as an educator! I'm not entirely sure who learned more that year. They always had me ON MY TOES with their practical jokes, insights, humor, and even complaints. They were and still are a remarkable group!!!
I had the honor of attending their Baccalaureate service Sunday night. I had to push back a few tears as I watched these now matured souls express their feelings and share their talents throughout the service. I really enjoyed the slide show of them growing up through the years. For a moment, I was transported back to that final day I taught them six years ago. We basically had a big talk/cry session that day. I still have a box full of nothing but mementos from that year. Precious memories stored safely away.....however, there is no need to pull them out in order to remember how blessed I was to have crossed paths with these special young people.
I have always expected great things from this class...... When I taught this group in 6th grade, I always started the day with a quote/saying. They were required to write it in their notebook and a sentence or two that explained the meaning of the quote/saying. They were not always excited about this assignment but nearly always very insightful with their explanations. (I find it amusing now that most of their facebook statuses are nothing but quotes and sayings.) I wanted to provoke their thoughts on life and perhaps offer a little motivation/encouragement for life's journey ahead.
There are many wonderful quotes that would apply to this occasion. One might be, " Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson. Another favorable quote would be, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."-Eleanor Roosevelt. Even Dr. Suess offers a little knowledge on the subject with, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
There are countless awesome quotes/sayings that would offer encouragement and direction for this new phase in life. If I had to share just one though, I would choose one that was shared with me by my dad when I graduated many years ago.
* GREAT SUCCESS is carefully planned, small failures just happen. Don't be discouraged, many small failures will be encountered along the road tO GREAT SUCCESS!
I pray blessings for each graduate as they embark on their new adventures. I hope they are full of dreams and the will to work at accomplishing them. I hope they know they are loved and supported by many. Above all, I hope they realize no one is a failure until they stop trying....and as long as I'm around, they are welcome to keep me ON MY TOES.....I will be willing to help in any way I can in order for them to experience success. These are my first babies.....all grown up!
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