Great Things

    As the school year screeched to a halt, I spent the last few days teaching drawing lessons, packing up the room, as finishing up paperwork. The year invariably ends abruptly and I am never quite ready. However, I like the thought of beginning fresh each year.
The bittersweet part about the conclusion of the school year is letting go of the sixth graders. I wish I could keep them a few more years. Last year's 6th graders have been my students for three years. They changed so much in those few years and I am a different person because of their influence on my life.
It is funny how much we are affected by the people with whom we choose to spend our days. My mother told me, "You are known by the company you keep." It has truly taken me decades to understand what she meant. I think it is important to spend our time with people who inspire you, believe in your dreams, recognize your weaknesses, and encourage you to be good and true. I also believe this pertains to the books we read, movies we watch, and music we listen to.
As I endeavored to pass my mother's wisdom to my students. I hope they will have happy recollections as they look back on their days in my class. The sixth graders have given me indelible memories that make me smile.
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust (Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com.)

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