His home life is not perfect, but he handles it with care and spends most of his hours on the school campus which allows him to "get away" from the struggles at home. He is moving on to live with his Dad in which I am excited for him, but worry about him getting 'lost' in another school.
Just thinking about not having him the classroom brings tears to my eyes. I know there are great teachers out there who will take really good care of his emotional, social and academic being but it is so hard for me. That young man hasn't ever had anyone tell him that they love him until me. He admitted to his therapist that I am the first teacher to deeply care about him and that he can't really believe it when he hears me tell him that I love him. He told her that I am the nicest teacher he has ever had and that even if he wanted to say something bad to me, he couldn't because I never get upset.
This young man lights up the room when he walks in, he makes me laugh, he teaches me things on a daily basis and reminds me to continually become a better person. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to teach him. He is the reason I teach in Oakland. He is the reason I wake up excited to go to work. He is the reason I want to become an even better teacher.
You will be missed deeply but you have taught me more than you will ever know. I can't wait to hear and see the great things you continue to do. Peace & love
