Twenty Minutes of Joy
Today, after lunch with my students, I decided to join them for a game of volleyball. They were already playing when I arrived, so I stood off to the side and chatted with a student who was injured. Time passed, and then, out of nowhere, the ball came flying toward me. The moment I saw it coming, excitement surged through me, and I couldn't help but smile. I grabbed the ball and, without thinking, held it as if I was about to serve.
My students paused, staring at me in surprise. I could tell they didn’t know I could play. With a grin, I asked, "Can I serve?" They looked stunned for a moment before nodding, unable to speak. It felt like they couldn’t believe it, but they seemed excited, too. So, I served. And to my surprise, it was a good one.
From there, I joined the game, and the fun took off. I was laughing, joking, and feeling lighter than I had in ages. For just 20 minutes, I was caught up in the joy of the moment, surrounded by my students, sharing something simple but so meaningful.
Eventually, the chime rang, signaling that it was time to return to school. I said goodbye to everyone, and we all headed back inside. The kids went to their classrooms, and I went to the teacher’s room. As I sat there, catching my breath, I suddenly realized something: this would be my last year with these kids.
I've been with them since they were sixth graders, and now, I’ll be moving to a different location. My heart sank, a wave of sadness crashing over me. I’ve grown so attached to them, and it hit me how much I’ll miss them.
This is the part of teaching that gets you. When you love what you do, you don't have to try too hard to connect with the kids; it just happens. That’s why I became an educator. I love kids, and helping them grow is what brings me joy.
As I thought about what next year would bring for both them and me, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of hope and sadness. I will miss these kids more than I can say, but I sincerely hope they continue to grow into the best versions of themselves. Watching them learn and change has been one of the greatest gifts.
As I sat there, I reminded myself that every ending marks a new beginning. Though I will miss these students deeply, I am grateful for the time we've shared and the memories we've made together. I trust that they'll continue to grow, explore, and follow their paths with the same energy and curiosity that they brought to our time together.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with hope for what’s to come for both me and them. I’ll carry the lessons they’ve taught me and the joy they’ve shared with me into whatever comes next. And though our paths may diverge, I believe the connections we’ve made will stay with me, always reminding me of why I chose this journey in the first place. I can't wait to see where life takes them, and I'll be cheering for them every step of the way.
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