Finals

I cannot believe that it’s time to go already! Up to this point, I still can’t believe I’m a teacher. I thought teaching on the high school level was not for me. Until I started teaching, I had never lived my life governed by a clock. I awoke when I wanted. I rested when I wanted. I built businesses when I wanted. I lived what I loved. My life was calm. I meditated, walked and I wrote. All day. Every day.

Nevertheless, the Universe shifted and brought me here. To you. As your teacher, and for many, your mentor and sounding board. And in the most unsuspecting ways, you’ve all changed my life professionally and personally in every way. In a little over three months, I tried to give you everything I have in me as a writer and as a teacher. I didn’t do it just to educate you academically, but personally, socially and universally as well.

I’m not sure I accomplished all that I could. Lord knows I tried. But I don’t dwell on shortcomings. Everything in THIS life happens exactly how it’s supposed to. I’m humble enough not to need acknowledgement for my deeds. Instead, “the proof will be in the pudding.” That means, one day, you’ll  write something or read something or hear something that makes you say, “I remember my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., taught me that” or “my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., drove me CRAZY saying that all the time.”

Nevertheless, this has been one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences of my life! The lessons I’ve learned from the countless personalities I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to learn, has been extraordinarily enlightening. I would be remiss if I didn’t let each of you know that I was always watching. If we never said more than two words to each other, or conversed incessantly, I know you; I saw you; I heard you, I enjoyed you, and most importantly, I uplifted you and listened to you when you had a light bulb moment. No student I had went unnoticed in my classroom or in my heart.

Although it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s inevitable—we must. So, as you move forward in your lives, and others, to the next grade, always educate yourselves about something. Remind yourselves of things you know. Educate yourselves on things you don’t know and always go toward what’s challenging. But no matter what you do, as I’ve done in my life, do it without abandon, with the notion that a Higher Power is always watching. Question everything and keep forgiveness close. Own you. And never forget, Live What You Love! I Do! ™ —ms. d. I write (and now I teach) for the very reason I breathe. . . Be balanced. ‘Ase!
Comment on the following: "Write a brief note expressing your thoughts about this school year: this class, my instruction, your progress, your growth, your fears for the future, your plans, challenges, highs, lows or anything you’d like to tell me.
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It can be strictly school-related, personal, professional, goals—anything you want to share with me so that later when I’m thinking about my memories of you, I’ll have something that will help me remember you, and how you shaped the pattern for my following years as a high school teacher, mentor, listener and confidant."

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.
2. At the end of your comment, write Please post OR Please do not post.
3. This is a test grade.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Thurs., May 31, 2018 11:59 p.m. CST​​​