Let me cry here. Let me cry now. All you teachers will understand.

[RisiaSkye]

riff: I hear you.

My first students, from three years ago, are starting to graduate. I've gotten used to seeing them around campus, enjoying catching up with them on occasion, but haven't really adjusted to this idea yet.

It wasn't until I was writing a favorite student's med school letter of recommendation that it really hit me: they're going, and I won't see them again. I don't have kids, and I don't want them. These students, though, some of them only a few years younger than me, are as much my kids as any I could produce from my body. I celebrate their accomplishments, I steer them through the struggles, and then I wish them well and watch them leave.

That recommendation was for a student who cried in my office in her first quarter of college, who came to me for assistance when her anxiety threatened to cripple her, who watched movies I recommended, and forwards me new urban legends just because she's thinking of me. And now, she's on her way to med school. She's a fine bright mind, is growing into a strong and centered woman, and I had a part in that. This is, probably, the greatest thing I will ever accomplish.

Parents aren't the only ones who have to struggle with letting go.

 

[riff]

*sigh* I was I had a great networking instructor like you

Lowest grade on the Cisco final was a 76. Highest was 95 (2 students made this score)

So group number one is shuffled off. No dramatics. I made the others leave the room and I had a talk with them. I told them basically what I planned (as in original post) but added:

For everything you do, there is a price.
You all have wonderful personalities- don't depend on them entirely.
And

"I LOVE YOU."

 

[sabbathstorm]

That's wonderful! I don't think we're going to have the same results at all but it's not for lack of trying. There's only so much you can teach yourself

We have maybe two students that will at least make 90. They've been making them all year and just seem to have what it takes for networking.

 

[morninggirl5]

This morning I lose 4 students. Tomorrow I lose 5.

I have spent 2 years of my life with them.....

Some I will never see again. I did my best! I gave them ALL that I had to give. Last year I cried when I sent them off. I don't want to cry again like that because they all looked at me like I was crazy.

Even the ones I hated, I loved.


I don't have any children. SHIT! Why can't I be one of those asshole teachers that doesn't care?

<crying in my coffee>

I have 12 more days with my kids. Even when they're driving me crazy, i love them so much. Most of my kids will be moving up to 1st grade (i can't stop trying to match them with the best teacher for next year). My newest student (he's been here since March) will be staying with me for another year.

While my heart is breaking that they're leaving me, my kids are worried about me. One of my little girls, S has a sister who just turned one. She told me last week that since i live all by myself and don't have anyone to love, i can have her baby. She keeps reminding me that her Mommy can have another baby. I tear up every time she looks at me so serious and says that i need to go ahead and take "my" baby home.

I cry every year on the last day of school, especially when i read this poem. I don't know what teacher wrote it, but it echoes how i feel every day.

To my class,
I'm glad I was your teacher
I've come to love you so.
I can't believe the end is here.
I hate to see you go.

Remember all the fun we had
in all the things we did,
But most of all remember...
You're a very special kid!

To the parents,
I've worked with your flower,
And helped it to grow.
I'm returning it now,
But I want you to know...

This flower is precious,
As dear as can be.
Love it, take care of it,
And you will see...

A bright new bloom,
With every day.
It grew and blossomed
In such a wonderful way.

In September just a bud,
January, a bloom;
Now a lovely blossom
I'm returning in June.

Remember, this flower,
As dear as can be,
Though rightfully yours,
Part will always belong to me!

 

[GreenEyedGirl]

riff, you are a doll. I hope you never stop crying in your coffee on graduation day. Because that's a good thing to do.

 

[riff]

Hey, Greenie....

I had two of them come and hug me.

The female refused to shake my hand.

She's gonna make some man very happy one day.

 

[enjoyingitall]

Riff, I understand perfectly the feelings you've expressed about watching a group of students leave. I always ask myself, did I do the best I could for them, with them? I'm pleased when I can honestly answer yes. I hurt when I know I didn't accomplish all I had hope for . They don't always realize that they take a little piece of us with them when they go or that they leave a bit of themselves behind.
I've always been known as kind of a hard ass teacher, but they also know that I am one of those teachers they can count on, for lots of things. I laugh with them, I cry with them, I cheer with them, and I teach them. And at the end of a term, they all have notched a place in my heart that I hold onto.
Your students are lucky to have had a teacher who cares.

 

[freakygirl]

Buddy I have 4 kids... I hope and pray that somewhere down the track they have the benefit of a teacher like you.

My hat is off to you riff. Your caring really shines through here. You might be sad now but remember that soon you will have a new batch of kids to work your magic on.

He already said what I was going to say...

Thank you riff for being a caring teacher/person.

 

[GreenEyedGirl]

Hey, Greenie....

I had two of them come and hug me.

The female refused to shake my hand.

She's gonna make some man very happy one day.