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I missed my students incredibly and for several I was still an important figure in their lives. I figured, what the hell? I had won the class election to speak at graduation, so I wrote a paper entitled The Graduation Speech You're Not Allowed to Hear, then emailed it to every student whose address I had. Those who responded to me were touched. I ran into two students, Dan and Henry, in May. Dan I'd had in Algebra II, his dad the one writing the principal after that parent teacher conference the year before. Henry was never a student of mine, but was one of those who'd gather after school. Dan said he almost cried when reading the graduation speech, knowing he was cheated from my "wisdom" for the last half of his senior year. They both mentioned how much it would mean to them for me to show up at their graduation. The Saturday came, and I just couldn't bring myself to be there. I knew the pain and loss would be too much to bear. I was invited to about a dozen graduation parties, but with no car and a lot of overtime hours, I couldn't make it to any of them. The two I most regret not attending were for J.J. and Carley, both who'd been a staff assistant for me for two quarters. Each have such solid heads on their shoulders and I am so proud of them both. I could go on with all of the students who've kept in touch either through email or meeting me in grocery stores or parking lots... but I know that once I do I would leave someone out. As I believe I've written in here somewhere, the common phrase is, "Jones, you have no idea the impact you've had on this school." I do realize, my young friends. I'm not sure any of you have any idea the impact you've had on me. |