Three students gave me end-of-year gifts: a large mug that says “express yourself,” a bag of fair-trade coffee, and a card with two $5 gift certificates to a local ice cream joint.
The words on the card were just as lovely, though: “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve given me–your enthusiasm made the work more interesting and your support made the way easier. You’re the best.”
And that was just the pre-printed part. The rest, in her awkward handwriting, was this: I enjoyed having you as an english teacher. Thank you for being such a good teacher. from, T–
As for my goodbyes, I opted for easy: “Guys, I’ve enjoyed each one of you. Listen to this song by a band I heard live a month ago–it says to you what I want you to hear. And the symphony metaphor is really cool”:
As for my goodbyes, I opted for easy: “Guys, I’ve enjoyed each one of you. Listen to this song by a band I heard live a month ago–it says to you what I want you to hear. And the symphony metaphor is really cool”:
But by the third and last class of the last day, I realized that most kids didn’t really care that much, so I let it drop rather than spare myself the emotional pain of baring my good wishes to the chattering masses. I wasn’t about to let myself get too stressed out about anything, and I could imagine my blood pressure steadily increasing: “Hey! Be quiet! Listen! Turn around! Face forward!”
It just wasn’t worth it, so I relaxed and smiled and didn’t feel too sad when the last bus pulled away.
