A Sad Goodbye

Two members of our class are leaving us, Daiquan and James.

Both sets of parents are moving, and I couldn't convince them to allow the guys to commute.

James has some excuse about it being too long.

Since when is going back and forth from Minnesota each day too long?

While going through my email to download pictures of these two, I came across one I had sent titled, "You're a good man Mr. Stuart".

It was what Daiquan had said to me one day as he put his hand on my shoulder.

The picture has been erased because it was taken three months ago and I hadn't found time to download it. I regret that.

But the meaning of that moment still lasts.

He had decided I was for real, and was choosing to trust me, believing that I truly believed in him.

No matter how hard we try as adults (teachers, parents, etc.), it won't have any real affect unless they see us as a trusted ally.

Lianbo (James) has been in nine schools in six years (his father is a sought-after scientific engineer).

James' mother told me he is devastated because he has never felt so happy and accepted until this year.....................Arghhhhh..............I feel too sad to write more.

It took me ten minutes to write that last line.

On the one hand these two diverse kids and their strong feelings are verifiable testimony to what is possible with the right environment.

It's also been proven that this "right environment" can include ALL of its members, when ALL are truly cared for, believed in, and led in the way that is most effective for them.

On the other hand, leaving this environment and having its members leave us hurts.......It just does.

Teaching can be a very risky business. So many people say teaching stinks. No, no....teaching is amazing.....if your willing to risk opening your heart and develop your mind, and then ask the students to do the same.

So to our two young friends, here are a few pictures and quotes to send you on your way.

I can't remember what I say in class, it just comes out, but from what former students tell me I sound something like this (thank you Jess and Ryan):






Our first teacher is our own heart.

A single disturbed thought creates ten thousand distractions.

Consider life as a sequence of cause and effect, and never rely upon luck.

Luck seeks its person.

Do not waste an entire life in the pursuit of a few golden moments.

Be full of life. Full of energy. Full of vivid aspiration.

We don't have to be the best, only do our best.

Do the right deed, and do it for the right reason.

We gain strength from the temptation we resist.

Live with intent.

We must learn who we are and the things we can do.

A little bit of worry each day adds up to years over a lifetime.

This life is for you.

A peaceful life is ours when we find work that we love to do.