Ask any teacher and they will tell you that some of the most precious things they receive are handmade gifts from students.
Over the last year and a half, I have been given numerous drawings, candles, picture frames, cards, keychains, earrings, snacks and coconut waters, and other novelties that mean the world to me.
The way I teach my kids to write an essay is with the “Burger Method,” and I got the biggest kick out of this drawing one of my students did for me earlier this year.
Anything a child takes the time to do for me is precious, whether they made it or spent their own money to buy it at the store.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn coming into my second year as a teacher was that my first group of kids wouldn’t be in my classroom anymore. I had built up such a great bond with that group that it seemed impossible to start fresh with new ones this year. I haven’t gotten to see or talk to my now 7th graders as much, but even to this day they say hi to me in the halls, hug me, and wave at me from the bus whenever they can.
One of the most special days for me though was my birthday in September of 2024. They had announced mine and my birthday twin’s birthday over the intercom during morning announcements, so everyone knew today was our special day. Of course, I had already made a big stink about it by planning birthday events for my kids so that we could all celebrate it that week. It’s not like I have birthday parties for myself anymore, so I figured I would at least make it fun for them. Hence Bihmo was born…
But my birthday was extra special because between 2nd and 3rd period several of my former 7th grade students ran down the hall to deliver handmade birthday cards to me. I was overwhelmed and wanted to read them carefully, so I tucked them safely away in my backpack till I got home.
When I had the space, I read them that night and was floored by how much these kids had grown in even a few months. One card especially will be with me forever because it came from a child who I thought would actually be the death of me last year. I poured so much time, energy, patience, tough love, and virtue into that girl, but I never knew if it would stick. After reading her card to me, and hearing how much she had matured, and how grateful she was for the time I invested in her, I knew. I knew that if THIS one child was the one I had gotten through to then I knew I had made a difference, because Lord knows we all wondered if anything would ever get through to her. This year she has stayed out of trouble and grown into the young woman I knew she was capable of being all along.
Even though I may not teach them everyday anymore, I know I taught them well for the 9 months I did have them and that in and of itself is one of the most amazing gifts I have ever received.
I also find it comical when my 7th graders turn up in my hallway and classroom wanting to say hi, needing a hug, or pleading for a snack. My current 6th graders get so annoyed and always say “Ugh, why are there always 7th graders in here?”
Why?
Because those kids know I’ll always be there for them.
And next year, I know this current group will probably be doing the same thing.
That’s the beauty and heartbreak of teaching.
I am a chapter in their lives, just like they are a chapter in mine, and each of those chapters is an unique, amazing, and fleeting gift.
The Yellow Door Life 
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