After spending years working with certain students, it is easy to understand why you become attached. As a Special Ed teacher, this was the case in Virginia. I had some students for 3 years. After 3 years, you can't help but be sad to see them graduate. Sad, b/c they are leaving you, but proud of how far they have come. Luckily, I still get to keep in touch with some of them.
Today, I realized it isn't just a time thing. It is a bond thing that only a teacher may understand. Maybe not. One of my students had her last day today, as they are going back to America. They'll be back next fall, but I will not. From day one, she was shy and didn't talk to anyone - except me. Well, she didn't talk to me, but she hung near me. After a few days, she was talking to me, but still not to anyone else. Then, she was giving me kisses. Only in the last few days has she really come out of her shell at school. She would talk to some people (not most), and let one other teacher pick her up, but I was right there beside her. She was "my" girl. I love all of my students, but this one and I bonded quickly.
As she was leaving today, I told her I would miss her. She gave me kisses and big hugs. I had to fight back a tear. Yes, I know. I am emotional. But, when you realize the ability you have to bond with children and feel how good it feels to have them reciprocate back, when they seem to want nothing to do with all others, it is a good feeling. It warms your heart. It reminds you why teaching is such a powerful job and should not be taken lightly. I have the power to enable children to love coming to school and learning. That is pretty awesome to me.
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