Middle School

Middle School!!!!! Upon realizing I have only one week left of my rotation in middle school, I have learned a lot over the past several weeks. I had a very rough first week, setting this whole thing up as a negative experience. I broke up 2 fights and felt like a sore thumb as everyone tried to find a place for me in my new surroundings. I had no office or even a chair, leaving me to sit on the floor in the girl's office. I was a new face to the kids, leaving them a little skeptical as to what my purpose truly was! Was I there to inflict some kind of new torture on them, was I out to get them in trouble, etc. I was thrown into a group of coaches, none of whom I knew, who knew each other well, had inside jokes, etc. All of this is to simply say that the first few weeks were not fun. As the weeks wore on, I have gotten more comfortable in my new skin. I don't think middle schoolers will ever be my favorite segment of population. But I also have come to realize that though they often have head spinning, vomit spewing fits, they are not truly possessed creatures. They are kids. Some are sweet to the bone, others not so much. Some have wonderful, loving families, others have a far cry from that. I have seen a child taken out of class to visit with CPS about being hit by their father, and I had taken offense to the child's defiant attitude earlier in class. Go figure!!! I'd be angry and defiant as well. I've gotten sweet valentine's, big bear hugs, and wiped a few tears. I've talked a girl with emotional issues out of a corner where she refused to leave because "no one cared." I have seen kids twice my size, who look like they are twice their age, break down and cry because they are still just babies at heart. And I have wanted to yank every hair out of a few heads and wash mouths out with soap, etc. I have survived the culture shock of being in a community where morals and values truly matter to the majority, where disrespect is dealt with strongly and lovingly, and where Christ is at the center of everything done. Public school is very different and for those of you who aren't sure, you should visit to experience it yourself. I can promise the time of the month when that check is made out, would become less of a pain and more of a thankful moment. I am thankful for those Christian parents who send their kids into a place where Christ is so needed. We need more warriors there who are strong enough in their faith to shine their lights! I will now be adding these kids to my daily prayer list!!! I have grown to love those with whom I am working! I couldn't have found a better fit as far as personalities, etc. I will miss them and hope to sub there next year since the market is looking not so great! I will greatly miss a few of the students whom I have gotten to know well. It's very touching when a child reaches out to you and trusts you with their little lives. This part of teaching, the relationships, is what I am really looking forward to! I think I have a real gift of true care and concern for kids. I have found it is a gift that not all teachers share. So, all in all, I would brave middle school again. But I anxiously await getting to the little guys. One more week in middle school, and I graduate to elementary!!!