Just five years ago, Kenia was a student in my 8th grade language arts class. She loved reading fan fiction and despised reading Animal Farm (I’m fairly certain she’s still mad at me that I made her read it). She was and is one of my favorite students of all time (but shhhh…don’t tell anyone. I’m not supposed to have favorites). Her maturity, thoughfulness, and joy have reminded me over and over again why I chose to be a teacher.
Now, she is a senior, and I can barely believe it. She is bright and hard working, and I secretely love any time she asks for help or lets me look over her high school English papers. She keeps me up to date on all the high school drama, and I feel so grateful that for whatever reason, she has let me be a small part of her story for these last five years.
Whatever this next year brings her way, I have no doubt that she will continue to bring light and joy everywhere she goes. I cannot wait for May 24th when she walks across that stage. I’m convinced there won’t be a prouder teacher in the place.
