A Teacher's Thoughts After Another Graduation

Thornton Fractional South High School's class of 2016 graduated last night, and as I walked to my car afterwards, my mind was doing somersaults to process new (and yet, becoming more familiar every year) emotions.

•  I felt happy and excited for the class of 2016! I saw their smiles and heard their shouts of joy. I witnessed their celebrations with family and friends in front of the school, giving hugs and taking pictures and being happy. And amid such celebrations, I cannot help but share the joy! I am excited for what will come for them and proud of their accomplishments and happy for them!
• But as I saw the celebrations, it was evident to me that there were additional emotions that I was feeling. Yes, I was excited for them and happy. But there was something else, almost like a slight sense of mourning. I spent 5 hours a day, 5 days a week with Rebels since mid-August. They have played a big part in my life for the past nine months, and graduation represented not only a transition out of high school for the class of 2016, but an end to the 2015-2016 school year. Lots of sweat and a few tears have gone into the last nine months, and now it is over. Teaching is like that, though. Teaching involves giving your heart to class after class, year after year... and then bidding them farewell at the end of the year, praying that your time with them has somehow better equipped them for the journey ahead, and remembering everything that they have taught you.
• I feel grateful for the time I had with the class of 2016 and with the underclassmen of TF South. It has been an honor for me to spend these last nine months with them.

So, class of 2016... I thank you all for sharing a bit of your senior year with me!! Congratulations!! And best of luck in whatever you do next!!