by Shelley Bennett
This morning as I was getting ready for school, I heard Sofia in the other room doing the same. The soft hum of the blow dryer, dresser drawers opening and closing and it struck me that this was it.
The last morning of us preparing for our day and going to the same place.
For the past 10 years, I’ve had a student at Lassen High School. It has made my career as a teacher even more fulfilling and enjoyable.
I loved every minute of commuting with my kids, storing duffle bags in classroom, seeing them and their friends at lunchtime, and observing their lives from afar.
I loved seeing Jacob’s redhead standing out among the others in the hallways, hearing Landon’s booming voice talking and laughing with friends, and watching Sofia bloom during the last four years.
It wasn’t just my own kids, but their friends too. Spencer, Makenna, Sage, Kenton, Dani, Will, and Gunnar left their impressions on my heart. As did Trenton, Jacob, and Garrett a few years later. Sofia brought a posse with her, who often ate lunch in my classroom: Renee, Sara, Jess, Hannah, Kahlen, Mea, Sabrina, Callie, and more.
I loved walking into the gym during an assembly and seeing their faces, smiling and cheering during roll call. Attending their games and activities. Celebrating their wins and success. Hearing good things from my colleagues. Even picking them up after a loss, failure, or other disappointment.
As a teacher, I’ve put my heart and soul into my classes and students for 26 years. I have the best job in the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything and having my kids beside me made it even better. They were very good Grizzlies. I’m so proud of what they accomplished at LHS.
I’m not worried that I’ll lose my love for being a teacher next year. I may just be a little lost.
Thanks to my teacher friends for sharing the highs and lows and helping me navigate a school without Jacob, Landon, and Sofia. Especially Jessica Larson, who knows exactly when I need a hug. Happy Birthday to you my friend!
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
