Another New Beginning
I’m sitting here the night before a new school year begins. This is always such a bitter-sweet moment for me. I look back nostalgically over a summer spent on so many activities that it has raced by, as always. I feel the sadness as the memories I have carved are added to the memories of all my other vacations. I will miss the sunshine days, the lazier evenings when I did not have to contemplate school work, the magic of family and the joy of being with my grandson. So much to tuck away that it hurts a little. And I, somewhat begrudgingly, adjust my focus from summer back to school.
With an equal measure of excitement and trepidation I have prepared my classroom, put up new bulletin boards, planned lessons and run papers, labeled folders, spelling workbooks, desk plates, and attendance cards. As I write out each new student’s name I can’t help but wonder which ones will blossom, which will need extra tending and nurturing, which will soar and lead the way. Each year marks a new beginning, something that makes education such a great career. No year is ever like the last. This year will have its own challenges and successes; its own highs and lows. And there is no predicting what lies ahead. This unknown element always makes me a little fearful but, at the same time, it is what keeps me energized.
I love the new beginning; the sense of starting over and pulling out tried and true strategies from my teacher’s bag but mixing it up with new techniques. It’s a little like an artist starting out with a brand new pallet. She uses her familiar brush strokes but is always adding something different and surprising so that each piece is unique and worthy. Teaching is like that. Each year is unique and worthy.
I know I will lay awake tonight unable to fall asleep as I anxiously wait to see what tomorrow holds. I always do. I can’t wait for those celebratory moments when I see dawning excitement on a student’s face because something previously hidden is suddenly revealed and learning takes flight. That’s why I am a teacher, that’s why I put up with things I don’t like about my job, and that’s why I know it will be another great year!
Good luck to all of you teachers out there. Have a great year!