This was my first home:
I don’t remember it. I didn’t live in Parma, Ohio for very long…
It is Friday evening and the 6:30 flight to Midway Airport is delayed. Landing late night in Chicago, 150 miles still has to be conquered. The drive through the wee morning hours is uneventful. The trip to Illinois will only last 60 hours but is well worth it. Meredith and ninety of her college classmates will receive their Augie Blankets, recognition for four years of collegiate athletics. Playing soccer for the Vikings was an exceptional experience for Meredith. After graduating this May, she will be working for a firm in Davenport, Iowa. The Quad-Cities will remain her home.
The return flight left late Sunday night. With a couple hours sleep and cup of coffee in hand, it is back to work at Girls Leadership Academy. The school year is almost complete. It is supposed to finish up like every other year. Score the final exams, sign a few yearbooks, wish students a happy summer vacation. Simple, clean, no drama. Summer is here, see you in August. Or, I thought it was simple.
When I signed on last August I imagined teaching at GLAAZ was a no-brainer. I could put in a 7:30 to 3:30 day and then out the door I would go, guilt free. Maybe carry a few papers home to work on but nothing too intense. The reality was much different. Clearly I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Things got complicated.
The Class of 2016 snuck up on me. I was assigned AVID 12. Simply put, students were there to reflect on their high school experiences and make connections with colleges, scholarships, and employers. The entire senior class fit neatly into one classroom. I tried to get to know them just well enough to encourage them to take their next step forward after high school. Easy-peasy. No strings attached.
The plan was to stand tall, aloof, and quietly say “congratulations and good luck” as they graduated. To sincerely feel good for them knowing they were well prepared for whatever path they blazed. I guess the plan back-fired.
The Class of 2016 is made up of 16 bright, generous, caring students. They are uniquely talented. They are each singularly capable of changing their world. Touched by their stories, the walls I constructed came tumbling down. I began to allow them in. Relationships grew, bonds were formed. When news arrived this week that four of the students passed their on-line government final, I was thrilled for them, but felt an uneasiness, a tug on my heart. So much for staying aloof. Saying “good-bye” was supposed to be easy. Why is there a little tear welling up in my left eye?
Whether the students love it or hate it, GLAAZ is their home. I hope the Class of 2016 remembers what happened here for a very long time…
Best one yet!