When I chose to become a school teacher, I believed that I could make a difference in the lives of my students. I went into it knowing that my job would be difficult and that I would probably not make too many friends as I delved into changing the world but knew the field was ripe for harvest. However, every so often, you have that special student who just tugs at your heart strings and steals your heart. Over the last 29 years, that has happened several times, but never as strongly as when I began working as a home instructor with Alex Williams. I had known Alex from school but when he was unable to attend school and needed to be taught at home, it became my mission to make sure he was able to graduate with his class. I worked with him for 17 weeks, meeting three times a week. Over those 17 weeks, teaching took place, but something else did too: the development of a life changing friendship. Alex and I could talk about all the different issues facing our teenagers today. In June 2013, I watched Alex cross the stage and receive his diploma and as my heart swelled with pride, my eyes swelled with tears. Today, I said my last goodbye to my friend Alex. Thank you for your friendship Alex. I will miss your smile, your love of life, your text messages thanking me for helping you and your kindness, but most of all, I will miss you. Thanks for being that special student who reminded me of my mission in life and who reminded me that teachers can still make a difference in the lives of their students. May you rest in peace Alex Williams!
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:07:38 +0000
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