This afternoon, I returned to my old school (from last year, not this year) to visit teacher friends and students.
Those stupid butterflies were flitting around inside; I wasn't sure if this was a good idea.
But I am so glad I went. I got to see a lot of familiar faces, some kind acquaintances and a few decent friends. Unfortunately I missed a couple more. But it was fun to knock on a door and see the expression of, "Whoa!" when they saw me again. They all said it was great to see me and they missed me there. Which was really sweet and lovely to hear, even if it was a slight exaggeration, because really, who knows? That school has had an...interesting journey the last couple years, and each person has a different perspective on it, which was fascinating to hear. A lot of knowing shrugs and "we're getting through"s. Several askings of, "Are you coming back?" Lots of hugs and good-to-see-yous.
And let me tell you, the lit-up faces, hugs and happy shrieks of former, now taller and more mature students are worth an entire week's worth of daily grace.
(Even if one whole class begged me to do my (apparently infamous) Evil Eye, for old time's sake or something. Kids are weird.)
4 comments:
Perhaps you could take a picture of your Evil Eye and post it here! I'm sure it would help me perfect my own technique.
I have my lovelies leave advice for next year's classes and often one says, "beware the stare," or "don't look into her eyes, you'll turn to stone." They ask me where I got that look and I say I took a course in Grad school.
I'm so glad you went back to see your old school. I bet you it did a lot of good (for you and your old students).
Hang in there!
The evil eye is one of the most valuable tools in a teacher's arsenal. It's impressive they remember yours.
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