Graduation

Four years have passed since I walked into the classroom I student taught in. The master teacher had been teaching for quite some time, and, as it turned out, that year would be his last. We had far different styles. Those 150 9th graders treated me fairly well for the first half of their first high school semester.
I had more than one student who had trouble staying quiet during instruction, but nothing like the group of 9th graders I had this year.
There was one girl who should have taken honors, but didn't--I had the joy of teaching her this year for real. In fact, of the 25 seniors I taught this year, 9 of them were freshmen in that student teaching class.
I feel like I grew up with the Class of '06. They walked in to class that September morning as nervous as me. I think most of them walked out of class this June as successful as I have been.

I wish them the greatest of luck in all that they do. I will always feel connected to the Class of '06, my maiden voyage in classroom instruction. They taught me much, and hopefully I reciprocated.
In the way of the novel Cry, the Beloved Country, "Go well," Class of '06, and we shall "Stay well." Represent our school well, your parents honorably, and yourself honestly. The latter shall, if nothing else, keep you grounded.