Showing Love: Walking With Students

Last week my juniors participated in their class retreat. One of the things that we as teachers hope for, is for all of our students to enjoy their time together and make everlasting friendships. One of my current roles, is being the ASB (Student Government/ Activities) Junior Class Moderator. This position allows me to connect with the entire junior class, by overseeing all of the class activities, fundraising efforts, and meetings with the (elected) junior board. I've been a class moderator for the last four years. It always gives me joy when a class unites, and understand the idea of community, and friendship. I'd like to share with all of you my welcome speech from this year's retreat.

Today’s retreat is based on the Emmaus Walk, and the meaning behind the walk is for us to rediscover Christ’s presence in our lives. More importantly, it allows us to form friendships and mend broken hearts.

I’ve been in education since 2006 and since then I have seen students come and go, hoping to make an impact in the world. And through the years, I have always tried to keep in contact with them to see how they’re doing. For us as teachers, the only thing we want for you is to succeed, and know that we truly care about you. When you’re sad, we sense it. When you’re angry, we feel it. When you’re happy, we smile. We’re on this journey with you.

As I said, I’ve seen students come and go. They go out into the world hoping to bring joy to others. I can remember an alumna from Class of 2004. Words cannot express how talented she was, when she was in the theatre department here. A 2006 graduate, who was a cheerleader had a smile that could warm your heart. Whenever she was in trouble, all she had to do was smile and the two deans at the time would forget why she was being called in. Another 2007 graduate, was always in the main office during her time here as a student, and she made sure to said “hi” to everyone. She had health complications, but that didn’t stop her from spreading a little bit of joy to others. The other 2007 alumna that I can think of was everyone’s friend, and from what I remember hearing was that she was always hanging out with everyone. After years of having fun, her pride and joy came when God gifted her with a beautiful boy. The little boy might be six now. The final grad who comes to mind is from the Class of 2009. If cartoon birds were real, a bunch of them would be on her shoulders right now singing.

These graduates are some of the most amazing women, that were like stars in the sky and they shined bright. They have now made the transition from stars in the sky, to angels in Heaven. While they watch over us, their beautiful light continues to shine down on us, forever. These women made an indelible impression on so many people, and the one thing that many people can say about them was that they always treated everyone with respect and love.

Someone once asked me what I wished for my students. It was not being successful in school, While that is important, I felt something was much more paramount to their character. My reply was simple, “I wish for my students is to live a life where they can love, and be loved.”

I want to leave you with a quote from Winnie the Pooh. “If there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart I’ll always be with you.”

Be open-minded. Be kind to one another. Remember to forgive one another, And above all else, remember to love one another in the spirit of sisterhood. Enjoy your junior retreat.

Perhaps I was motivated and empowered to right this speech on the concept of love, by Billy Ward, another Theology teacher. Perhaps all of us share the same feelings when we walk into the classroom.

Until next time...