The Encouragements of Children

I dashed to the school with a smile on my face, happy to get experience in my chosen career field. As I entered the air conditioned classroom, I walked in with eyes almost popping out of their sockets. The children were running, jumping,and jabbering- everything! It took 3 days to understand that they just needed someone to look up too. Soon, I developed a strong bond with the children. By the end of the summer school, I was so close to them that it was hard to say “goodbye.”

As my 12th grade school year started, I had a glimmer of happiness when I saw one of the students from my summer school. She instantly ran up to me and hugged me as tight as she could. As I was returning the hug, it was at that moment that I looked up and saw a teacher. She had eyes of disgust as she glared at me. I felt awkward and tried to pry the affectionate child away. As I did, I heard her say those words that will haunt me for the rest of my life. “I should get this guy expelled.”

I ran to a nearby corridor and threw my backpack as hard as I could, computer and all, almost hitting someone and shocking my peers because of my sudden, angry outburst.

As I came home, I plopped on the bed and began thinking why teachers are making a huge deal out of the situation that I just presented. When I couldn’t see the reason, I went to my parents who gave me an astoundingly inconceivable explanation to comprehend. Apparently parents who think they can protect their child from everything, are suing teachers now for what they call “child molesting”, for making physical contact with kids while trying to do their jobs. As my mom finished explaining that, I went into more deeper thought and became even more confused about the situation. After this experience, this is my belief: “This I believe, parents and teachers cooperating with each other have the power to teach future generations lessons of humility and compassion. A child is determined not by academics, but by his or her character.”

Now as an upcoming elementary teacher in training, I believe in the hope of teaching children the life lessons of being kind, responsible members of the community.I believe that we, as adults, have the mandate to showcase what kindness and growing means because of how God gave us the chance to help these innocent children grow in faith and in character. I was blessed enough to have such loving parents who supported me throughout my whole life journey so far. They have supported me with my challenges, yet they allowed me to suffer the consequences of my own choices because they wanted me to grow as a person. They always had a saying that I hope resonates with you. “Dad and Mom will not be there all the time in person, but you have friends and teachers who will help you on your feet.” Teachers are meant to help you to grow, but in today’s society with mostly helicopter parents, who hover and worry about every second of the child’s life, are over protecting their children from experiences which could help them develop character. We as parents and teachers, need to help children to reach the ultimate goal: To be members of society who are thoughtful and helpful. We do this through the kindness and encouragement that we as teachers and parents give as role models as we guide the next generation.