me arts ed

Happy Graduation!

During my 30 years in the classroom this time of year was ALWAYS bitter sweet. I was racing to complete work with students, enjoying the end of year out of the routine activities and reflecting on the accomplishments and achievements.

Some students would graduate or go on to the next grade level happy and some with regrets. Some ready to end the year and others kicking and screaming about leaving. It was always easy for me to be excited about the accomplishments of students, whether great or small. At this time of year I can’t help but take some time and think about my past students.

This year is a special one for my family, my older son graduated this past weekend from College of the Atlantic (COA). As the rain paused and I watched the 74 members of the graduating class follow the bagpipers into the large tent I couldn’t help but think about my sons’ successes and struggles during the last four years. My husband and I are, of course, very proud of him. My son has changed and grown in so many ways that we don’t measure. He has climbed mountains that seemed unpassable. He certainly has learned but I must say my son and his brother are my greatest teachers! I have learned much more from them then I could ever teach.

COA’s graduates all receive degrees in Human Ecology. This provides an opportunity for them to learn about themselves and their interconnectedness with people, the environment and the world. When I think about the successes and challenges students have in school I wish they had more opportunities to learn these skills to help them deal. If they believe in themselves and have an understanding of how their actions and behaviors impact those around them it might just make a difference for them which in turn impacts the world.

As students leave your classrooms and schools this June my hope for them is to take the learning opportunities they’ve had and use it to make a difference in the world.