5.5 days left

School is over in 5.5 days.

While I am very ready to be done with my first year of teaching, I am not so sure I'm ready to go a whole summer without seeing my kids.

This week had its share of frustrations (mainly students who have no intention of doing any work between now and the end of the year), there were also some key moments in which I was reminded both of how much I love my students and of how God's almost imperceptible daily work amounts to big change over time.

Yesterday was a boy day. My next to last class period with these gentlemen. We began English class with a dance-off which culminated in a 6'10" boy and a 5'5" boy doing the worm side by side. Priceless. We then finished our last novel, and they loved it. Not only that, but they were able to write reviews of why they liked it, incorporating more than just, "I liked the book because it was funny." I felt successful.

Then, I gave the 9th grade boys some study time at the end of the day. It was fairly laid back, and began with two of my boys seeking some girl advice. Then, before I knew it, 2/3 of the class had moved their desks to surround mine. They asked history questions, my opinion on dating, who I think will win the NBA playoffs, why the Yankees are doing so badly (ugh)...It must have looked rather odd for passers by to see everyone grouped so closely around the teacher's desk.

This is the class that almost killed me. On several occasions, I was so frustrated with them that, immediately after the bell rang and class was over, I ran to the faculty room, never wanting to teach them again. Yet, some point in the middle of 2nd semester, something clicked. Instead of working against me, fighting against the teacher, they decided that I might actually be able to help them, and that they should do what I asked. It took 6 months, but we got there.

My sentiment throughout the day: I love them.