Makes being an educator SO worth it

I am a guidance counselor.

When I first started I was 21 and working in a very rough school...which was phased out in my 3rd yr and I was excessed.

I had many wonderful students at this school but a handful who were really special kids and I had a real bond with.

Through the wonder of Facebook I connected with some--but three girls who were like my 3 muskateers--always together and always spent their lunch period in my office I could not find!

Yesterday one of my boys posted his College Degree and I saw one of the girls comment! I friend requested her immediatley

This also got me in touch with the other two...

They had been looking for me also but couldn't find me bc of my married name!

We are all meeting next week and I am taking them out to lunch to catch up...the messages they wrote me were really so sweet about missing me and thinking of me.

The funny part is "my kids" are now 21,22 I did not realize at the time they were only 5-6 yrs younger than me.

I am so happy to have reconnected with them. It really reminded me why I chose this as my career--to see these kids who had no/not very good parents, who grew up in poverty, in college and making something of themselves--to have them say my encouragement and love helped facilitate that--it just doesnt get better then that

Re: Makes being an educator SO worth it

Aww, this gave me chills I'm so glad you were able to reconnect with them!!

I have a strong bond with my current students. It's a 12:1 special ed class and I have them now for the second year in a row- so needless to say, we're all pretty close.
I hope to keep in contact with my students when they're no longer MY students! They're the only class I ever had since last year was my first year... and I truly do have a place in my heart for each of them.

Re: Makes being an educator SO worth it

I think there is something about your first students you always cherish.

Re: Makes being an educator SO worth it

That's fantastic!! I was 21 too when I first started teaching. I have 1 class, they were my sophomores, that I truly enjoyed more than any other. To see them on Facebook and reconnect is great. I'm sure you'll be happy when you see them, all that they've become will make you proud to have been a part of it

Re: Makes being an educator SO worth it

I saw this when I was away over the weekend and didn't have a chance to respond, but I just wanted to say how wonderful that is. I've had former students get back in touch like that, and you're right -- it makes it all worthwhile. I actually got an e-mail out of the blue last night from a student who graduated last year, and just the first line where she wrote, "it felt so good typing your e-mail address into that box" just made me smile.

You're obviously making a difference. Isn't it nice when they affirm that?