Hmmm.

It occurs to me that I may not have been a diligent elementary student. I remember liking school and enjoying my teachers, but when it came down to turning in quality work or doing my very best, I may have fallen short. Today while I taught 80 students how to organize their art portfolios, I had this epiphany and I yearned for a do over. I longed to go back to second grade and more carefully construct my pilgrim hat. I wanted to be in third grade again, working on my "Green Thumb Science Project". Today it was obvious who the over-achievers and the average-achievers were and for a moment I wanted to be little like they are, still caring to impress their teachers and parents. While mentally swimming in the quandary of my past diligence or lack there of, a student named Gage came to my desk. Gage is in third grade, he likes me. He always compliments me on what I am wearing and truthfully I think he bears a little crush for me. He says to me with quivering chin, "Teacher, Stephen says you are too strict." and I reply, "He did? Good." and Gage states, "but Teacher you aren't too strict you are a good teacher." and I say, "I don't mind if he thinks I'm too strict, it doesn't hurt my feelings." Gage smiles, a little confused as to why I'm taking this 'strictness' nonsense as a compliment, and heads back to his desk. I may not have been a diligent student, but what I lacked back then I am trying to make up for that by being a good, albeit strict teacher.

p.s. Welcome Jed to the Honey Hut. Thanks for following, I'm looking forward to reading that new blog.