Remember what's most important...

     During the past seven days I have been blessed to have several moments that I felt connected, engaged, and affirmed as a teacher. The first thing that made me feel this way was when one of my second year students raised her hand in class and asked me if I planned to ever return to working in "the Nursing field". When I responded yes, I will when I feel as if all my children are old enough for me to the goals that I have in healthcare. She then smiled and responded " well just don't leave until after I graduate", and then several others students echoed "me too". Another thing that happended that made me feel like this is what being a teacher is really all about actually occured today. I was working with my third year students on assessing blood pressures during the last block. They will have to check fifty blood pressures accurately by January as a requirment for the CNA program.
     I unexpectedly had to  have a teacher come in to relieve me for a few minutes while I excused myself to the restroom. When she came in and saw the students checking blood pressures  she said "someone can check mine" and about three or four students enthusiastically exclaimed "me, I'll do it". I was so proud of them. Today was their day to dress out for uniform inspections so they were in uniform and had their medical equipment. They were looking and behaving professionally when she entered without my prompting them to. When I returned from the restroom the teacher quietly told me " I love that you're here...I just love what you do and what you are teaching them. You are doing so much for them. I believe they are really loving this" . I responded, "thank you so much, I love being here with them". Lots of times I think about how much they do for me, they keep me going what the work behind the scences becomes overwhelming...One of my students in this same class told me on Monday that last year the only reason she came to school was because she wanted to come to my class. It's times like that when you have to remember what is most important and know that you are making a real difference.
      Last, but certainly not least, the time this past week that I knew this was what teaching was really all about and I REALLY felt connected was last Wednesday after school.  I decided to stay at work until 6 pm instead of 5:00pm that day to catch up on some work. My usual 2-3 students came by to work on upcoming assignments which is always rewarding for me to see them take responsibility for their grade. However, three other you ladies came in around 4 pm. They all stayed until 6:00! I felt as if we were keeping each other company as we worked and talked. One young lady in particular had missed close to 20 days last year, slept most of the time she was there, rarely dressed out and hardly ever turned in any work. This year she has been attentive and alert in class and has only missed a couple of days so far. That Wednesday after school she stayed the entire time, completed her career timeline, AND presented it in class the next day! I love it!  ENOUGH SAID :)