Words can not even express how proud I am right now. I got in touch with one of my former students from Lakeview when I was a teacher there (in Florida). She was always a thorn in my side for many months and I seriously considered quitting at times because of this student. However, I stuck with it and stuck with her. She was always incredibly smart, but as many of you know I was stuck teaching some of the kids that the guidance counselors categorized as “at risk” kids. I called them my very own “dangerous minds” posse. And for many of you that have seen this movie, you know what I am talking about. Around February though this girl and I came to an understanding and she was great for the rest of the year, which is ironically when I truly started to love teaching. I did love it! I would not trade my students for anything. I loved them and I am proud of all of them. I will also never teach any “normal” kids. Give me my dangerous mind kids any day! However, as I said I got in touch with several of my students through my space and the student that gave me the hardest time. She is in college now! I am so incredibly proud of her! And I just had to post something about it! She asked if I would mind helping her if she needed it and of course I said I would be happy to and then…

This is what she said to me that got me to cry:

“I really do THANK YOU. When I look back and see what teacher’s i gave hell to, it really wasn’t worth it. Now I understand what going to school and getting an education can do for you.”

I don’t know what more to say! That’s more validation than I could ever have hoped for and I am so happy to hear this from the student that challenged me every day to keep going. I am so proud of her and so thankful I had the opportunity to be her teacher!