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Sunday, June 21, 2009

The finish line - 2009 style!

My seniors are, for the most part, at the beach celebrating their graduation this week, and I'm reflecting on the past year. Somewhat like a new parent, I find it fascinating to watch the development over the months. As I was re-reading my daughter's latest blog post, it occurred to me that it is somewhat bittersweet to see these young people go off into the world. Although I don't have nearly the connection to my students as I did with my own children, I do feel somewhat responsible for providing them with the skills to allow them to at least survive, if not thrive, at their next stage of life.

Some kids come to me in September ALMOST ready - they're focused on college or career or the military and they know what steps to take to achieve those goals. Others THINK they're ready, but all they can think about is getting out of high school. Still others believe that being seniors means a year-long vacation before they head off to college or the "real world." Regardless, I am dogged in introducing them to higher level thinking skills and a taste of the wonderful stories that come from every age and every corner of the world. I try to expand their vision and earnestly urge them to sample the unfamiliar. For some, it "takes," for others, all I can hope is that eventually they develop that appreciation for art of all kinds.

I cross my fingers as they step up to claim their diplomas, knowing my reward is somewhere down the line. Next year, or the year after, or sometime after that, I'll hear about some of them and I'm often gratified to see what they've accomplished. But I don't need them to be worldbeaters - just compassionate, ethical citizens.

Best of luck to my 100+ graduates - may all your dreams come true!