Saturday, June 6, 2009

congratulations class of 2009

Almost 9 years ago, I stepped into a classroom for the first time as a "real life teacher". The 2000-2001 school year was an incredible year for me! Difficult, but incredible! I had just moved hours and hours away from where I had lived for 22 years of my life to a place that was unknown to me in every way. Thankfully, I was able to live with my aunt and uncle and had at least one place of refuge.

I love these kids!! I was single and had all the time in the world for them. It was a very small Christian school, so my class had only 11 students and most all of them had been together since Kindergarten. Looking back, I am so thankful for the experience with those 7 {very rowdy} boys and 4 {very sweet} girls. One of the mom's of one of my students had said that I was the first teacher that she actually had felt "fit" with these students. Talk about making me cry! It was tough to leave, but by June I was ready to go back home!

I've kept in touch a little with a couple of my students from that first year and one of those students is actually writing and performing music and has a CD (and yes, she is only a senior in high school!) She is a beautiful girl inside and out with so much talent and passion for sharing the message of Jesus. AMAZING! You must check out her music HERE.

Today, June 6, 2009, this class graduated from high school.

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The following year, I taught 5th grade at a new school closer to "home sweet home" where I would continue to teach for the next 4 years. What another incredible experience for me! This school was also a private Christian school, but one that was much larger with 2-3 classes of each grade (not just one). With being able to teach at a smaller, private school I was able to build a strong bond not only with my students, but also their families. Throughout my teaching career at Portland Christian, I was able to have siblings in my class at various years, so some of the families I was really able to get close to. And, even after leaving, I still keep in contact with some of the families and we still exchange Christmas cards. I love it!


Last Saturday, I was able to attend the Class of 2009 Portland Christian graduation. It was such a special thing to be able to witness my first class(es) I had taught graduate. Talk about feeling old!!

For the students that were still a part of Portland Christian, I created and gave each one of them a special little "memory" from me.

{click on picture to view larger}

{Graduation Day - May 30, 2009}

Every now and then, I miss teaching, but staying at home with these little sweethearts is where I'm meant to be at this time in my life.

{Ah, now this is the life.}

12 comments:

Shelby said...

Wow! I can only imagine the range of emotions you have felt. What a great post!

heidi said...

How awesome to have seen them go from littles to near adults!

Katie said...

Heidi,
What a special post. Those kids certainly had an impact on your life, and you on theirs. Isn't it amazing how that first class you teach has a way of sticking with you, as they initiated & molded you a bit as a teacher. I have a sweet spot in my heart reserved for many of my classes, but specifically my first (they are currently in 10th grade)!
It was really great that you were able to be part of their graduation day. I love the keepsake that you put together for them.

Becca @ The Texas Darlings said...

I think it is great that you are still keeping in touch to see these "kids" grow and mature! How special for them & you!!

~Becca

Bethany said...

aww! 4th grade was seriously one of the best years ever!! I LOVED having you and being in your class! thanks for all the wonderful memories!

He & Me + 3 said...

I know...being a teacher before a SAHM makes you feel old when they graduate. My first year teaching kindergarten class graduated last year. Boy do I feel old. That was awesome that you were able to attend and that you made them all such great gifts. I am sure they all loved that. What memories. YOu are awesome.

Katie said...

OMG how awesome to see your kids all grown up and leaving high school! It's hasn't been long enough for me to see my kinders graduate but I've kept in touch with a few and elementary promotion is looming so that's scary enough as it is!

PS: Have to ask you a favor RE monograms. Will email you:) Don't worry it's not a big deal favor!

Emily said...

Wow....what a special time. So cool that you are still in touch with these families and then could see those children graduate!

Russell Family said...

That is great that you got to go to their Graduation! I am sure they enjoyed the picture (card) you made for them!

Miller Racing Family said...

I know what you mean about your first class having such a special place in your heart. I taught kindergarten my first year and had a super class at a small k-8 school. How I love seeing those kids grow up. But I also agree the two little kiddos you have now need a great teacher, that would be you. I don't think people really see how much work teaching really takes. That is why I wanted to dedicated my time teaching my little man.
I hope that you guys have had a great weekend.

Sarah Ondracek said...

Thanks for sharing, this was a great post. It's so crazy how time just fly's by! And it's great that you ge to stay home with your little blue eyed blessing now:)

Sara Lawrence said...

Heidi!

I LOVE your blog!! The kids are getting soo big & they're absolutely adorable!

Holly's music is unbelievable! What an amazing talent she has!

I hope all lis well out west!

 
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