Blasts From the Past

This week I was blessed with 4 surprise visitors. All were students that I taught last year.

Oscar had to evacuate Houston because of Hurricane Ike. I didn't see too much of him during class last year. Apparently the little time I had with him had an impact because he was excited to come tell me about his auto body repair class down at San Jacinto College in Houston.

Then there was little Virginia. I only had her for a few weeks before she had to transfer to a different school. I remember Virginia so well because this tough little girl insisted on bringing me flowers all the time last year. I think it was her way of showing me her appreciation for allowing her to be sensitive and vulnerable. Of course she wanted to stop in and give me a big hug on her day off!

I cannot begin to express the joy in my heart when sweet, beautiful Emma came knocking on my door. Last year I had the honor of nominating her for a prestigious scholarship. She received one of only two awards, based on her determination to take control of her education despite all the adversity she has faced in her life. She is an outstanding young lady that has fought not only to go to college, but to go with a full ride of scholarships! I couldn't be more proud of her, and I am so blessed that she chose to pop her head in to say 'Hi' to me on her day off of school.

Finally, my biggest surprise this week came with David's knock on my door. I remember when David was in my class last year; he was a hard worker, but he would often skip class. He LOVED to learn. He LOVED when I used my technical terms from industry. This week, as I stood there in the hall with him, David could barely contain himself. Through his big grin, he told me that he is studying mechanical engineering at UT-San Antonio. He went on and on about how much he loves it, about how hard he's working, and about how the math and physics that I taught him last year have already helped him get ahead of his peers. I was ecstatic, and I am SO PROUD!!

I had been told that these are the moments that validate all of our hard work as teachers. It is a true joy that cannot fully be expressed - having the concrete evidence that you have made a difference.... that you have touched a young person's life... that you have inspired!!