All Grown Up

This school year also had a special meaning, as my very first class graduated. I really can't believe the time is here already. We were all just babies when we met. I can still remember that first year of teaching like it was yesterday. I am sure I made many mistakes, but they seemed to have all survived and are none the wiser. I remember rushing around those few weeks before school started (I was hired at the end of July). I wanted my room to be perfect. I had no idea the kids that were coming my way and yet we all survived.  A few years ago I was talking to another second grade teacher and we figured out that this would also be her first class to graduate. We used to be in small elementary schools around the county and then they all came together for high school. We decided then that we wanted to go together and watch our first class graduate. Fast forward to this May we realized the time had come, so we made plans. Well plans changed and she got sick. I debated whether or not to go by myself but in the end I did. I am so glad I did. It was so special to see those kids walk across that stage. I was also blessed that one of my former students was the valedictorian, I couldn't be more proud of her. It is amazing how they have changed and grown but they still resemble those tiny first graders who walked into my classroom so many years ago. So many came up and expressed how much it meant to see me there, and that made me feel good. I felt we started the journey together, it was only fair to end it together. I was also blessed to be invited to some of their parties, so it was special to spend some more time with them. I am excited to watch what is in store for these students and continue to follow along with what is going on in their lives.

I only have one cell phone picture from the day, it was super hot so I didn't take my big camera.