Friday, April 1, 2011

I am a teacher.

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

I am a teacher.
I am a counselor, advocate, leader, facilitator, mentor.
I am idealistic and realistic.
I work to inspire and empower.
I strive to be passionate and compassionate.
Sometimes I am successful, and many times I am not.

Little moments of fall semester 2010:
Summer book club! These five amazing students met with me at Borders in August to discuss the book we read together over the summer. 
 These are the shirts my students from last year were sent in recognition of the magazine they published to raise awareness about genocide.
My current students at the top of Cowles Mountain during the first week of school.  Our whole team made it to the top (barely).

A birthday cake from one of my students.
Collaborative art on non-violence.

Throughout grad school, I sought out what my journey would be, trying to make a small difference in this immense world.  I contemplated getting a PhD, teaching internationally, joining the Peace Corps.  In the end, I  was led to teaching high school... again.  I work to teach my students about the injustices present in the world, the power of non-violence, and the hope for change that I believe exists as awareness leads to empathy and compassion.  I believe in it because I see it in my students.  

It is good for me to remind myself of why I do this and the little moments of joy and success I have experienced, especially on this Friday morning of a particularly emotionally exhausting week.

3 comments:

  1. I'm not sure why but this post got me really emotional. This past year for my trainee-ship at school I work as a therapist at an arts charter high school in downtown pomona and this post really hit home. I'm so thankful that there are people like you who care about inspiring, educating, guiding, and loving teens! Thanks for writing this.

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  2. Thanks Kara. Your comment really meant a lot to me. I needed some encouragement today, so thank you for that. :)

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  3. I am so proud of the teacher in you. LU mom

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