God knows what you need. I know that sounds very pastory (ha.. my autocorrect tried to change this to “pastry”) and preachy. But whatever. It’s true.
My last post was about my last Monday at my job. And let me just say … that week was SO STRESSFUL. But, God provided. He knows my heart. He knows that there’s a part of me that needs affirmation and gratitude. And do you know how he did it? In the MOST surprising way. Through handfuls and handfuls of my students.
Now let me set the stage.
You’re 16. You have turned in all essays and completed all exams. Summer is FINALLY here at last and all you wanna do is drink Watermelon Nerd slushes from Sonic and “swim” in the kiddie pool in your backyard for the rest of your life as you blare Iggy Azalea’s newest tune. And maybe burn a chemistry book or two.
Most kids would never think about the teacher they are leaving behind. But, I don’t teach “most kids.”
After telling my classes that I would be embarking on the World Race in September and not returning to school in the fall, we all had a little bit of a freak out moment, “Wait. You won’t be teaching us next year?”, “Will you be back for our senior year??!”, “But, but, who will give us our daily dose of sarcasm??”, “I can’t NOT have you next year, Ms. Ficken …”, “I’m really happy for you, Ms. Ficken, but I’m really sad for me”, “Don’t forget about us as you travel the world!!”
Forget? How could I? How could I forget a place (and a people) that takes up so much room in my hipster heart? No chance, Petal Peeps. You’re stuck with me on this journey whether you wanna be or not.
That last week was no different in the freak out department. I had about 10-15 students come to my class at random times during the last two days of class just to hang out and be with me or to say goodbye. I had 6 different letters from students, 4 presents, 2 cakes, and 1 student-written theatrical play as a tribute in my honor.
Also, in just three days, I sold over $1,100 worth of tshirts to these kids!! Totally unreal!! I am using all the money from my tshirt sales to buy my gear (tent, hiking backpack, sleeping bag, SPORK, etc.) and my vaccinations. I plan on writing each student’s name somewhere on all my gear so that I will always remember that THEY had a hand in getting me where I am going. So much love for them all.
I’d say that God delivered on the affirmation end. To say that teaching is a “thankless job” is an understatement; so, by providing me with such a multitude of love and gracious gestures, God ushered me out of Petal High School with such an overflow of thanksgiving that it continued to spill out of me for the days after.
Here are some pictures of my students and some of their sweet letters and notes:
