Dedication to El Chief (from Tumblr February 2012)

I wrote this post when I first opened a tumblr in January. Tumblr and I don't really get along... I just don't think I am hip enough for Tumblr. Oh well... I really only started a Tumblr to follow El Chief on his amazing journey this semester. I only knew him for a short time but he is truly a student who had and still has an amazing impact on my life. I am so grateful that we were able to keep in touch over the last 5 months. Wednesday, he finally returns and I can't wait to hear his stories and have some laughs. Welcome Home El Chief, you were truly missed: In a moment of teaching weakness I showed “The Freedom Writers Diary”. I added a pretty epic journal entry and even got the kids to discuss how they would break down walls. I immediately thought of El Chief. El Chief is a student of mine, well was a student of mine and is now off exploring the world. Today, I logged onto Tumblr and read his post and was immediately struck by something he said. He stated , “Despite the simplicity of the concept of “giving people a chance”, I believe that people, of all ages and walks of life, are still inherently quick to judge and tend to segregate themselves, which is a shame.” Well Chief… I guess my response would be- you are right. We do all judge. Confession: I judged you. I didn’t know you at first- I just knew what people had told me. But I told myself that we all need chances to give the true version of ourselves. And, I am sure that you judged me. Thats the beauty of our now friendship… It started somewhere we never thought it would. Some of the greatest treasures of life come when you least expect it. One of the wonders of my job is that I often learn just as much as I teach. Also, that when I get to help kids make sense of their world- mine makes more sense. Over the past 6 yeas of teaching I have met some of the most incredible people. People who have profoundly inspired and changed me. El Chief- you top that list… And here is why. Lesson #1: it is not how long someone is in your life, it is the time spent and the lessons learned. Lesson #2: you should never judge a book (or person) by the reviews of others. Lesson #3: teenagers are some of the bravest people in existence. Lesson #4: I am truly blessed … And can always use a reminder. Lesson #5: expand you circle, get to know people, and understand that there is good in ALL kinds of people Lesson #6: teaching is just as much about relationships as academics. Lesson #7: have some fun… So thanks, el chief. Continue to inspire, challenge, create and move. Faith. Wolflamb

Letters...

Sometime ago, probably a few years, my grandmother told me that she still exchanged handwritten letters with her sister. I thought this was such a wonderful tradition they had, although in this time and with the technology that I am addicted to, it isn't really something that I would probably start. However, a small gesture now and then,can be truly powerful. My dear friend Damasa and I exchange a journal back and forth. Although it sometimes takes months until we can get it into eachother's hands- receving it feels like Christmas because I get to be part of my friends life who I love and miss so dearly. This is also what I love the most about blogs, Facebook, Twitter... even though it uses the avenue of technology, it means that I get to be part of people's lives and we get to share moments. I love this. There are all kinds of letters... formal and informal, to inform or thank. A few years back, a dear mentor of mine helped me to create a senior writing project. In this project I would have students end high school English by reflecting on their experiences using different modes of writing. They would write autobiographies for themseleves at 30, graduation speeches, lessons and most importantly, letters. I require my seniors to write a letter to a teacher or school personnel that positively influenced them at some point. Students write letters to elementary school teachers, coaches, administrators, counselors and to current teachers. This is also the only portion of the writing project that I make them share with the person they are writing to. I like to force them to communicate gratitiude...something that some of us often forget when we get wrapped up in our busy lives. But something that is more impactful then they will ever know. I send them off at the end of every year with a profound satisfcation because I know when they open those letters, they will be changed. They will realize that their goals of being a teacher (to change a life, to inspire) are real in those letters. What I never imagined is that some students would write letters to me. I mean, I knew some would I guess but I never encouraged it. Every year, it is also a surprise who writes the letters to me. There are students that I think I might get one from and others I never imagine receiving one from; no matter the author they are always unique and insightful. This year the letters were particularly special... here are some recaps: Letter 1 came from a student who thanked me for holding him accountable and yet never losing faith. Letter 2 came from a student who thanked me for my contributions to DHS. Letter 3 came from a student who thanks me for bringing them out of their shell and supporting them in everything they did. Letter 4 described someone who feels that their path changed for the better when they met me. Letter 5 told me they were appreciative that they could always be their crazy selves in my room. A few more thanked me for our bonds over basketball. Another eliquently reminded me why I became a teacher. Each letter holds a special place in my heart and hit on many different bonds that I have with so many wonderful people. But two letters in particular inspired me to write this blog. One wasn't even the assignment for class. It came from a young person who at the beginning of the year had made up their mind to dislike me. Not for any other reason except that I was entirely too much school spirit for them and they were sure that most teachers didn't care about them. Over different events and days in class he became a true blessing. He taught me so much about honesty, tolerance, individuality. His letter came in the form of a card, not even to be turned in and it made me realize that you find special things when you least expect it. But when you think of the unexpected, nothing is more unexpected then the letter I finally read just the other day. This letter is from a student I have 'known' but knew little about for the past few years. They are crazily reserved and skeptical of those around them and some might even say they can be negative. I may have thought the same thing if they didn't let me into their world. They quickly and permanently became someone who I found incredible strength in. They taught me about working hard, holding on, developing faith and trust, about being there for others... They are truly one of the greatest gifts of my teaching career. The best part of their letter is that they stated how I inspired... which is exactly how I feel about them. This sounds like an egotistical blog to rant about how wonderful I am and how these kids think so too... it isn't. It is proof that just a letter can do so many things. It can brighten someon's day, inspire someone's heart and drive someone's smile. It can change their path for the better and inspire them, even in the darkest hours, to keep going. It doesn't have to be a teacher; it can be a friend or relative or anything in between. It doesn't matter if it is hand written, over Facebook.. even a reminder text. But seriously... what are you waiting for? Go write a letter. With faith, hope & love, Karen