An Unexpected Surprise!

I love Mondays; in fact, they are like Fridays to me. Actually my motto is "Live everyday as if it was a Friday." Today, my Monday was especially delightful thanks to my students in my afternoon class who surprised me with a delightful lunch. The menu included delicious fried chicken, tasty plantains, scrumptious strawberry cake, and a refreshing orange/carrot citrus drink. My students wanted to surprise me and they did.

But wait. They had one more unexpected surprise for me: a beautifully engraved plaque. I have never received a plaque from an entire class, much less one with such a loving and heartfelt message that managed to bring me to tears. This generous and loving gesture by students, many of whom work full time and go to college full time, served to remind me once again that everything I do and say greatly affects the people around me. As a teacher, I seek not to judge or blame, ridicule or humiliate. My purpose is clear and constant and I can define it in just one word: Empower. In my profession, I meet so many incredible people, learn from them, laugh with them and sometimes cry with them. My students give me so much more than I could ever give them.

Thank you all for your very special gift!

Marie, Ana, Nathalie, Joseph, Greggory, Edith, Sharon, Ducarme, Jeniny, Wandler, Kins, Takira, Carlos, Reginald, Liliana and last but by no means least Evodie.

You have all made this semester quite unforgettable for me. God bless you all and may you all find success as you journey down the road less travelled by.