Certainly the situation with Justin dampened my last few weeks in Hungary, and I was more than excited to leave after all the army shit that happened. Fortunately for me, I have students, co-workers and friends in Hungary who made my last two weeks some of the best of my life. To start it off, my 10th graders (who I admittedly know the best as we spent quite a bit of time together last year) totally surprised me with a beautiful book that they had made for me. It is a picture book, and each student has a page with a picture and something they wrote for me and sometimes a quote. As I entered the room that morning to an entire room of standing students and a table to my right with home made treats and two liter bottles of pop - I knew I was loved. When I stopped to take a look at what they wrote, I knew that I would never be forgotten.
Teaching is one of those funny professions where you don't really have instant satisfaction. Gratification is delayed semesters, even years. And then one day, the senior who used to come to your first hour World History class (for 10th graders - he failed a couple times) directly from the casino - steps into your room in an army uniform and says with real sincerity, "Ms. Staffa, I'm sorry I was such an ass." Between those students who eventually get it, and the ones I had in Hungary who I developed a tremendous love for, teaching is worth it - it is my passion. The amount of love I felt in my last week and a half in Hungary truly made me never want to leave.
Here are some pictures from my last day with the 10th graders - luckily they were taken before the end of class when there were a LOT of tears shed... I tried to remind them that it wasn't my funeral - I am still alive, but I'll be far, far away. I'm counting the days until I can return!
This is what happens when you tell kids to work only with their partner - they join two other partner groups :)
Posts
2 comments:
its always fun to have going away parties to see what people think of you. Sad, but fun;) We're happy to have you home!
Hello Carla
What you wrote, was so nice, I almost started to cry! We miss you soo much! It's strange to go back to the "sufni" without you being there! I'm glad, you liked the book, and the party! You can be sure, we will NEVER EVER forget you!:D
Jenni
Post a Comment