Letter to Myself

I found a letter I wrote to myself on August 11, 2012-The week before school started. I cried reading it. I hope I've done well by my students. Just what I said before I even knew my students remains the same-they're worth it.

Dear Melissa,

You're about to be a legit teacher! Congratulations! Today is your last Saturday before the new school year begins. I anticipate a very busy, yet fulfilling year for you.

I hope you begin to say all your students names correctly. I hope every student feels cared for, appreciated and respected while in your class.

I hope you don't embarrass yourself when it comes to Math and Science. It's entirely possible.

I hope you develop good friendships with your colleagues. I hope you'll be a valuable member of the fourth grade team and to the staff at Fairview.

I hope you blow all the evaluations out of the park. I hope you integrate technology well.

Most of all, I hope you love your students. I hope you'll love them so much it'll hurt to see them struggling. I hope you'll love them so much you'll make every effort to get to know them and their families. I hope you'll love them so much you'll give 100 percent every day.

Remember, even when they're loud, when they don't follow directions, when they get on your nerves, when they don't turn assignments in, when their parents give you a hard time, when they break an expectation, when they don't meet their goals-Remember to love them. Never lose hope for them. Remember they are the future. Love them. Care for them. Respect them. Give them your all-because they're worth it.

May God bless your year,

Melissa