Good-bye class of 2009!

Saying good-bye to our seniors is never easy but this year's class made it even harder.

It seems like just yesterday that these same kids walked into my classroom as freshman.

It was also the same year I spent asking myself why on earth I agreed to teach 9th grade algebra. They were wild, crazy, loud, obnoxious, immature 13 year olds and I was expected to spend three 90 minutes periods w/them every day. As it turns out, that was one of my best teaching years yet and it was b/c of the relationships formed during that time. Relationships that I will forever cherish b/c of the impact they had on my life. We spent the last 4 years laughing, grieving the loss of a classmate, crying, dancing, singing, rapping and learning about what it means to watch out for one another. They even convinced me that I could survive the Titan at Six Flags w/out peeing in my pants having an anxiety attack. Aside from all the fun, we did cover the required material and I feel certain I taught them a thing or two about algebra but it pales in comparison to all they taught me about myself over the course of 4 years. I walked along beside as some of them faced circumstances beyond your wildest imaginations. Things that no adult, let alone a child should ever have to face. They perservered and are now proudly holding a diploma b/c they kept going in the face of adversity. They are truly an OUTSTANDING group of young adults and I am so honored that I was able to be a part of their lives the past 4 years. I am a better person for having known each of them. CONGRATULATIONS....BEST WISHES...and I will always "have your back".....1:1!

And to the girls who've been by my side the past 4 years, this sums it up.

God is good...all the time!