I know that I may be a bit behind on creating this post but I feel that it is something that needs to be shared. This week, I realized how as teachers, we are not just that to some of our students. I have several students that call me "mom" and "aunt" because they see me as family. The students in my class are, as most of you may know, special needs and many of them come from broken homes and disadvantaged situations. This week, it really dawned on me how much this family away from home means to my students. I had a student who had bottled up anger and instinctively punched a mirror and consequently, caused major lacerations to his hand. Thankfully, as a healthcare worker first and foremost, I was able to tend to his injuries by cleaning, irrigating, and wrapping his wounds. Due to the extensive injuries, I had to call the student's family. However, no one was able to answer the phone and I had to call 911 to transport this student. Since the student is underage, a teacher or staff member had to come with him. The student, even in his disturbed state, requested that I go with him. So, I became his legal guardian for the next 4 hours while he was tended to in the hospital ER. When asked, on several occasions, if I was his mother, I attempted to state no, but the student would tell the healthcare workers that I was just like his mother and that he preferred to be there with me. Throughout the stitches and many other procedures, the student held my hand and cried on my shoulder. He thanked me when his family was able to pick me up.
The fact that this student depends on me and trusts me in such a way, when it is evident that he has anger and control issues, lets me know that I have to do all I can for him (as well as my other students) to help him along this journey called life. It is clear to me that this is what I am purposed to do.
So beautiful, and thanks for sharing! I'm not sure if it's because we are Healthcare professionals we are instinctively nurturing, but my students also call me momma, more specifically, "mama G." Whatever the cause or reason, I totally echo your sentiments in that many are called, and few are chosen, and yes, my dear, you are chosen! Keep doing the great work!
ReplyDeleteAwww thanks Yvonne!!! I never thought that I would have so many children, but like you stated, many are called but few are chosen. Thank you for everything that I learned from you this summer. I have taken all of it to heart and utilized it in my class!
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