2nd Annual Letter to my 8th Graders

Dear 8th Grade,
 
Thank you for trusting me this year. This year is not one that can be described as easy. As we know, some learning takes us through some pretty hard places – places of unbelief, inertia, and those dotted with expressions like, “I’ll never get this.” We certainly went through a few learning dips, and found ourselves whizzing along steeps slopes. (Haha, how do you like that I got both math and science references in this?!)  
 
I would like to applaud you for all the beautiful soul things that you taught me and came to your own understanding of this year. Beautiful people, you truly you are empathetic, loving, self-aware, and forgiving – and I could not have asked for more.
 
Thank you for accepting me as your teacher on the days I did not deserve it. Thank you for overlooking my flaws. Thank you for the multitudes of kindness towards me. Thank you for baking me cupcakes! Thank you for the Christmas and birthday cards! Thank you for the hugs! Most of all thank you for bringing the laughs, and making me see kids differently.
 
Teachers teach because we think we have something to say, and we hope to impart or share our wisdom. I have a few hopes for this class:
 

1. I hope you continue to learn. Life has so many lessons, and if you’re not paying attention you may miss them.
2. I hope you continue to persevere. Life is hard, and there are some things that are too much to bear but the human heart, mind, and soul is stronger than you think.
3. I hope you have friends you can count on, and keep friends who have known you since day one.
4. I hope you love hard. Love your parents, you family, your friends and your self.
5. I hope you love yourself. This bears repeating. The poet Nayyirah Waheed says that loving yourself is the greatest revolution there is.
6. I hope you love others. If you are able to keep an outward perspective you will not only see needs, but figure out ways to meet them. You, my beautiful people are the solution to many of the challenges in this world.
7. I hope you find something that you are really good at and pursue it with passion.
8. I hope you live your life on purpose. There will be moments where you may wander – but I hope not for long, nor with dire consequences. Dear heart, live on purpose.

 
Phenomenal people, you kept me on my toes during this dance we call 8th grade. Thank you for teaching me some new moves. I love you.
 
Yours,
 Ms. St. Jean