Sometimes I look back at my week and ask myself, "did that really happen?" I teach high schoolers chemistry, but they teach me so much about being teenagers. The fact that they think me close to their age is also an issue at times, but I truly really love all of my students. Here are a few things that have happened this school year.
1. Some call me Megan behind my back.
2. A student admitted to checking me out in the hallway before realizing it was me. #nightmare
3. A girl asked me to move her seat farther away from an ex-boyfriend. I did.
4. Multiple students tell me about their tattoos slash intended tattoos. I of course didn't know how to act, but I think my shock said enough.
5. A student told me he cheated in math a few times. Mmk?... I reminded him that I am a teacher.
6. I have the world's best TAs. Sometimes they come a little late, but not without a delightful white bag to leave on my desk with a donut of my choice inside. I told them this habit must stop, or I'm going to have a heart-attack. It's fine.
7. Two of my students actively fight over who is my favorite, but one of those students did bring me Chick-fil-a, so you know...
8. Two of my students brought me Valentine's goodies, which were so thoughtful and kind.
9. At least three of my students want to major in chemistry now! This is a major feat! I mean really?! I am beyond thrilled. I mean high school chemistry isn't even that cool yet, and they love it. They are ten steps above where I was as a sophomore/junior. I love those students for obviously reasons.
10. One of my students told me to get Jacob a poster-sized cut-out of Scarlett Johansson... or video games. Needless to say, I'm glad I'm not married to a high school student.
11. One of my students told me that I shouldn't get Jacob anything for Valentine's Day, because he should be getting me stuff and more stuff. I assured him that Jacob spoils me.
12. A girl told her mom that my story about getting base in my eye was a testimony builder, so if for nothing else, my students are gaining testimonies... apparently.
13. A boy almost made me cry of joy this past week, because of his participation and engagement. Literally I thought I was going to cry.
14. Parents are willing to tell you a lot of details about their children.
15. A boy calls me his school mom, because I encourage him to get enough sleep and do his homework. Apparently that's a thing?
16. A student found me on twitter and my number of followers exploded, but now I just use it for my students mostly.
Teaching has been rewarding and fun. A colleague at the beginning of the year said two things that stuck with me, "It's just a job," and "don't teach if you can't have fun". I took those to heart. In the beginning I would spend hours and hours planning lessons and thinking of details, but my lessons weren't as effective. So now I try my absolute best to teach the content in an engaging manner, but I remember to love those students of mine and have fun.
