This I Believe
Everything and everyone we come in contact with changes us, changes them. I’ve decided that it’s impossible to look back and truly understand the “what if’s” in life. What if I hadn’t done this or met him or her, for example. Each experience we encounter changes our core, our beliefs, and our reason for being on this earth.
By far my greatest accomplishments in life are my relationships. I believe, as St. Exupery wrote, “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” Love, kindness, compassion, empathy, altruism, and understanding cannot be measured by any high tech device. There is no price tag for giving of oneself and doing what your heart tells you is the right thing to do.
I have wonderful brothers and sisters, and my relationship with my father is by far my most treasured. My two children, Zach and Maddie, are kind-hearted and precious. As I cuddle with them in the morning to start each day, I realize how fortunate and blessed I am. They have learned how to love, how to look around and see the beauty in the sky, and above all else, they are hungry for knowledge.
My friends are numerous ranging in degree from colleagues to confidants. Each of them holds a special place in my heart. We have been through great times and hard times, and through each experience, I realize the degree to which I love each friend. Everywhere I go throughout my day, I have people around who care, really care. I have learned that often times it is better to listen than to share.
As my students forge their way through middle school, I feel gratitude for having the chance to shape their lives in some small way. I love teaching writing because it’s my gift, my way to empower students. They have a voice in my classroom, and no one can take that away. I take a personal interest in my students’ delicate souls and work hard to support them in any way that I can. My seven year old son recently commented how boring my job must be. I refuted his comment by explaining that teaching is far from dull. It is an exciting adventure. They are interesting, creative young people with unique attitudes and opinions. I can’t imagine a more satisfying career because of the relationships I make with these young teenagers.