Class of 2016
My dear, bright, talented, witty, courageous, sometimes exasperating and always wonderful students (this never seems to change) -
I want to thank you for making the last nine months one of the most rewarding periods of my life. I can only pray that I did the same for you, because you deserve nothing less. While each of you are very unique, all of you possess such great potential and special talents.
From the very beginning of the school year, my primary goal centered around helping you to realize your potential and understand that success takes effort. Because the majority of you believed in me and gave 100% effort, a wonderful thing transpired this year: We created a culture of success in our classroom built around Communication, Understanding, Respect, Equality, and Trust.
As I told you before, if you do not remember any of the literary terms I taught you or any of the poems, short stories, and novels that we read, I do not mind. I only hope that you always remember the "real" lessons from this year:
- Everything in life is a choice. Therefore, CHOOSE good friends, CHOOSE happiness, CHOOSE success, CHOOSE your education.
- Love CAN be defined! Love is Communication, Understanding, Respect, Equality, and Trust.
- We CAN combat hate by learning to accept others and forgive those who have hurt us.
- Learn to feel for others and empathize with your fellow humankind.
- We may all have a "beast" inside of us, but what we choose to do with that beast is up to us.
- NEVER give up, NEVER give in, and keep on fighting to make the best life possible!
Lastly, I want you to know that everyday for the last nine months, I endlessly strived to make a difference in your lives. I wanted to instill in you the importance of education, showing you through my example how it can free you and provide you with the life that you desire. I also wanted to assist you in achieving your goals for this year and planning for the future.
Just like last year, however, something unexpected occurred . . . . . .
YOU made the difference in my life. I have had the pleasure and joy of teaching not only incredibly bright, talented, and dedicated students, but I have also had the honor and privilege of teaching some of the most extraordinary young adults and human beings. You made me want to be the best teacher and human being possible, because I woke up every morning and realized you deserve nothing less than the best. Therefore, I strived each and every day to give you what you deserved as young people: the very best.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to make me accountable, to make me better, and to make me realize my purpose on this Earth. I will live the rest of my life trying to make even half the difference in your lives that you continually make in mine.
LOVE,
MS. SICILIA
P.S. A special individual shout out to each of my classes . . .
1st period: Always my most puzzling class, I feel as if we just began to really understand one another and work together. Now the year is already over! Despite all of the changes you endured this year, I want to thank you for so readily accepting me. Many of you even began to believe in me, and I saw so many of you begin to flourish (grow) by the end of this year. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to teach you.
2nd Period: Always my most quiet and reflective class, your written work and responses to questions/journal entries never ceased to amaze me. I must admit, you always surprised me - especially when it came time to share our thoughts and feelings aloud. I cannot thank you enough for your openness, honesty, and sheer courage. You truly inspired me.
3rd Period: Always my most frustrating class, you drove me crazy because of how much I care about you! When I looked into your faces, I saw the faces of the brothers and sisters I never had - and I only wanted you to care about yourselves and your grades half as much as I do. I cannot thank (most of) you enough for FINALLY listening to me and turning in your work this quarter. As the old adage goes, "It's better late than never." I love you, guys!
4th Period: Always my most dedicated class, your commitment to your studies proved remarkable throughout the year. You understand the importance of your education and what it takes to be successful in this life: hard work, dedication, consistency, and perseverance. I cannot thank you enough for serving as an inspiration to me and making me want to be better.
5th Period: Always my most "spirited" class, you always knew when to get serious and get down to business. I trusted you implicitly, and you always made me proud when I could not be there. Although I sent some of you on "extended walks," I always looked forward to seeing each and every one of you! Not only are most of you excellent students, but you are also very special human beings. I cannot thank you enough for bringing so much joy into my day!
6th Period: Always my most "exuberant" class, you infuriated me, you exasperated me, you impressed me, and you moved me quite unlike any other class. Your depth, your insight, your strength, and your courage often made me cry silent tears. Long after you were gone for the day, those tears fell on your papers. I cannot thank you enough for touching my heart and moving my soul. I can only hope that you will one day realize how deeply special, bright, and talented you are.