Tomorrow...

funny how tomorrow always comes.

Whether we are not wanting today to end, or the day couldn't have ended fast enough. Tomorrow is always a new day and will always be there.  This is something I remind myself of constantly - even when the tomorrows don't seem as though they are going to be great.

This school year has been rough. Really rough. All of the "tomorrows" of this past semester have been rough. Going to bed each night just to peel myself out of bed has at times seemed utterly impossible. However, I have done it. And, I think it's been worth it.

The other day, one of my students asked me, "Miss Stayer, why do you wake up every morning and come to school if you know we are just going to be terrible acting again??" (Quite ironic the student who chose to ask me this...)  I had to take this as one of those famous "teachable moments". I replied to this rather attention-needy student, "I tell you every day _______ to never give up and to always focus and do your best. Would I be teaching you anything with my actions if I didn't practice what I preach?" With that he replied, "You're right, Miss Stayer, but we're so stubborn and won't listen!" (**As this conversation is going on, students are running around the classroom rather loudly**) I then replied, "Yes, but what you don't know is that we (the class and I) are perfect for each other because I am MUCH more stubborn than you and that means I will always win!!!"

This conversation reminded me that even though it's hard for me to find the good things in each day, there are students who notice even if they don't say something each day.  I started giving my class a compliment at the end of each subject with something they did well together. Most of the time the class doesn't listen/even know I am giving a compliment, but I knew it had made a difference to one student when she asked me about it today. She said, "Miss Stayer, you have been forgetting to give us our compliments!" She didn't say it in a mean, conceited way. Rather, I just believe she is one who thrives on positive feedback and wants to know that her and her classmates good work is not going unnoticed.

Just like my teaching through my actions is not going unnoticed to everyone.


Tomorrow is a new day and quickly on its way!