A letter to my students...

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel -Maya Angelou


My friend recently posted a letter written by an anonymous teacher how she felt and what it meant for her not to say bye to her students. The letter torn me in a million pieces because I want to see my students again, realistically will it happen? I trust in the Lord and I know he will hear my heart. Of course, when I read the letter, I thought it would make a great post, needless, to say it has been very heartbreaking writing this.

Dear Students,

            How I miss you? I miss your smiles and your hugs. I miss you telling me about your weekends and how you didn’t study for your test next period. How you need help with a problem. I miss waving at you in the hallway or sneaking you a snack. I miss hearing your problems and letting you know you have to see the problem from two ways and how it’s a learning experience. I miss telling you how you are going to be late while speed walking to class or taking the stairs two at a time. The worst part of working with students, is getting attached knowing they will leave but not having the chance to saying bye is what really hard. 
            
I especially miss my 8thgraders. I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry writing this letter. Oh how I miss you the most! I miss my girls pulling up a chair in front of my desk, asking my opinion on their day-to-day “crisis”, my boys.  I always told them, “What are you going to do without me next year? My heart was gradually preparing to tell them bye, not all of a sudden. It’s funny how students know when you are having a bad day. I’ve had a lot of those coming back after my father passed, you gave me extra hugs and came to check on me throughout the day. I loved how you confided in me, I saw your heartbreaks, your tears, your triumphs, asking if you need a Ms. Ashley hug to make it all better. I have been there every step of the way cheering you on. I have been your biggest cheerleader just as you have been mine.

            I want to tell you this… No matter what happens from this point forward. I believe in you. Be the best version of yourself, you can be. I expect you to work hard because I know you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Love with your whole heart and it’s ok to walk away  from people and things that are not good for you.  I hope  you find someone who is kind and will have open ears when you need them. Be slow to anger and find the joy in the small things. Change will happened but don’t let it scare you. You have to be brave enough to know when it’s time to start something new and stop something that is not working for you. I know you will be scared but do it anyways. If there is no struggle there is no progress, Most importantly, believe in yourself, your voice matters, your dreams matter, YOU ARE WORTH IT.

            I  hope you don’t forget the little lady against the wall with her eager smile helping you conquer the world. I can’t wait to see the plans God has for you! 

                                                                                                -Ms.Ashley

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