Why I do What I do....

I was at Barnes and Nobles tonight with my Mom. We were getting ready to leave and I looked down an aisle... standing there was a former student with his Mom. I smiled at him and he walked right up to me and gave me the biggest hug!

He is a college freshman.. going to the same college I went to 20 years ago. ( LOL ) He is now taller than me, but still as clever and funny as ever! When I taught this student in 4th grade, he always made me laugh! He would read with accents, he would stand up to answer questions or read, and he would say the funniest things in class. He was an avid sports player. He especially loved hockey. He played the goalie position.

I cannot believe he is 18 and in college. He has a tattoo, pierced ears, loves horror movies, skating boarding and his psychology class. He told me a story about how he is afraid to fly. I look at his young man and I think .. He is going to rule the world!

His Mom was telling me a story and he said " Oh, Mom, you are so embarrassing!" It is so wonderful to see what a nice young man he is today. I told him that his class was my favorite.... and yes, I know teachers are not suppose to say that, but it is so true. I just loved this group of students! They were smart, funny, sweet students... they were just so good! His Mom said " You were D's favorite teacher! " He smileed. " He said "You ate lunch with us.. no other teacher ever did that!"

My Mom could not believe how this young man came right over and hugged me. She said, "You could tell.. he loved you." I told my Mom, "They were my boys... for a year.. They were my boys... always will be! It's one of the best parts of teaching"

It just made me feel good. In a time when I am back to subbing ( and hating it!!!), it really made me recall what I love about teaching and why I miss having my own classroom so much. I love teaching. I am meant to teach!

Thank you "D" for reminding why I do what I do - even if right now I am only a substitute!