My first year of teaching was mostly horrendous due to my inability to effectively manage middle school children. However, the beacon of light came out of the relationships I developed with many of my students, which allowed me to embrace what I think is my most effective strategy acquired: connecting with students on individualized levels.
And so, in reconnecting with one of my first year students, who is now in 11th grade, she has reminded me without saying anything what kind of teacher I was, and aspire to be in the future.
As she continues to work hard in 11th grade, most recently taking the ACT’s and hopefully not failing, she is pushing towards a goal of eventually coming to California to study Bio-engineering at hopefully the University of California, Irvine. San Diego would be a nice choice too if she plans to surpass my Phil’s BBQ record. I wish her the best and she chases for the stars goes “Up”, also the name of her favorite Disney/Pixar movie. And then she can reunite with the rest of her family in a superior state – California.
Though some of her friends have changed over the course of time, I’m glad she’s still in touch with the Cram Crew. I hope she never changes and maintains the calm yet awesome demeanor she’s had since being in middle school.
