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In the words of The Jacksons, "I never can say goodbye." But I guess I have to.

Tonight was parent-teacher interviews. The last set of parents to come speak with my associate teacher acknowledged me as having heard about the student teacher. Their son got a very low mark. The mother mentioned that she thinks the reason her son doesn't ask for help is because he thinks my associate teacher hates him. She then turned to me and said, "He really seems to have a strong connection with you..." then she turns to my associate teacher and says "but I think he's scared to approach you because he thinks you don't like him." I know that my associate teacher doesn't hate anyone. If any kid, even the kids who aren't serious, approach him, he'll help them and give his opinion. Anyhoo, I do feel there was a connection as well. There isn't a single kid who doesn't feel comfortable asking me for help and asking me questions. And even the kids who have given me a hard time have seen that I treat them fairly and I'm interested in helping them solve their problems.

When I try to squeeze in in traffic, I'm rather aggressive, and I thank anyone I squeeze in front of, even if they've given me a hard time or didn't want to let me in. I think it makes them feel guilty. "Damn, I tried not to let him in, and now he's THANKS ME!?" I think they feel like a clod. With the kids, it's the same thing. They see me go that extra mile for them despite their behaviour and suddenly they want to please you.

Tomorrow I'm giving them boxes of Smarties since they did some Smarties assignments for me. One kid asked if I wanted a party for my going-away, and I declined. A party would pale in comparison to what they've already given me.