Dec.15, 06: Two Weeks After

I haven’t seen the Grade Ones for two weeks, because Dec.1 was P.A. Day and I took out my wisdom tooth last week. Before I came to school today, I was a little bit worried that my absence has created a gap between us. But I was absolutely wrong! I was amazed when some of the students came to me and asked, “Are you OK? Does it still hurt? I lost a tooth too! I missed you!” They were eager to talk to me, and some of them drew pictures for me. I was really touched by their compassion.

The school is going to have a Christmas Concert next week, and Mr. Burrell formed a teachers’ band with a few other teachers. They were having their first rehearsal during today’s lunch, so I went in and asked if I could join as a flautist. And so I became one of the members of the “Greensborough Faculty Orchestra”. As a teacher candidate, I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular events. I believe that it can form bonds among the staff, because some teachers might not have the chance to work with one another during normal school days. I remember that one of my professors from ED I told us that there are two important things about being a teacher – we have to read the newspaper, and we need to have an interest. Having an interest allows us to talk to the students about what we like and show them our passion towards it. Today, I realize that having an interest brings out another side of us as teachers. I would never know that Andrew (I forgot his last name) is a great clarinet player if we are not in the teacher’s band.

After school, Ms. Carson gave me a large card. Every student in the class has written a little card for me, about how much they missed me, and the cards were pasted on the large card! I was so moved! It was so nice of Ms. Carson and the students, and I will never forget about today!