In looking for some pictures for a project I’m pursuing at work, I happened upon a batch of pictures. Which is taking me down the Road of Melancholy. And also, poetically, these surfaced at just the right time.
Let me paint you a picture. It was the summer prior to my junior year in college. I knew that heading into my senior year, I would likely need to take on an internship and then post-graduation…head into the ‘real world.’
I had spent a winter break working at day care a few years prior…so, I decided to again, work at a daycare for the summer.
At that stage in my life…I wasn’t really a “kid” person. I really didn’t like other people’s kids! Not sure that I even do today, but I digress. I wanted a ‘fun’ summer job.
What I didn’t expect…was the pure joy I experienced that summer. It was 1998. And I taught the K – 5th Grade. Those “kids” today? They are in their upper 20’s to mid-30s (hence why I’m OK sharing their pics). They’ve had adventures, pages and pages of stories…and perhaps, are raising little ones themselves.
I find myself reflecting back on how:
I helped a couple of kids learn how to swim.
I helped another kid practice baseball for his season.
And I helped several of them learn to bowl and skate.
It was such a fun summer. Three, short months…and I can tell you dozens of stories that still make me laugh today.
I can also tell you…my last day…I walked out the door, sat in my car and promptly lost my shit.
It was, perhaps, a mixture of mourning my own upcoming transition from childhood to adulthood coupled with leaving these awesome kids behind. But the tears fell none the less.
And as I’m winding down another phase…watching my son transition from childhood to adulthood, I find myself thinking back to this group of kids. And I have the same hope for them…that I do my own son.
I hope they are happy.
I hope that my short time spent with them…helped them grow. That I somehow created a positive ripple effect in their lives.
And I think that’s what all of us are searching for and hoping for. That our lives made a positive impact to other lives. That those we influenced are happier because of that influence.
And speaking of that poetic timing: we're launching into another school year. I don’t know how you teachers do it year in and year out. The immense hard work. The long hours. Dealing with parents. The red tape.
And the heartache of watching these little lives march forward and you often left not knowing if they found happiness.
I applaud each of you for your courage and dedication; in continuing to impart wisdom without ever knowing the impact you may have.
And to my own teachers….thank you for your support and believing in me. Your ripple effect was indeed profound.
And I am indeed…happy.
Kommentit