It’s hard to be a teacher somedays.
I really love my job as a middle school teacher. Yet, there are days which overwhelm me. School hasn’t even started yet and one of my old students wrote to me about the trouble her family is going through. This girl has had so much turmoil in her life and deserves to just be a kid. Some days I wish I could just open my home and take in all of the kids who are having problems.
I try not to speak about my students on my blog. Their lives are personal and I wouldn’t want them to feel betrayed by writing about them here. Today, her problem became mine. I had such bad pains in my stomach after speaking to her. It’s hard for me to hear such bad news and not be able to do anything except listen. My student is Buddhist so it’s hard to bring religion into the discussion. I do share my own experiences with her, but I think she has experienced a lot more troubles.
So I’m praying for my student tonight and if you happen to be reading this and have a moment, please pray for her to have strength to get through this troubling time. And pray that I might say the right words to these young people so they know that they are loved and valuable.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Brooklyn | 3 Comments »
August 25th, 2008 at 1:09 am
I’m sending up a prayer now. Learning about the struggles my kids go through always has the same effect on me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve imagined taking one of them home to live with my family. That’s definitely one of the harder parts of the job.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I will keep your student and you in my prayers. You sound like such a compassionate teacher, what a gift. Know that you are making a difference, just by listening and caring.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:17 am
I agree with your post. Which is not something I will usually do! :) I enjoy reading a post that will make one think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!