It's All Worth It

This morning one of my favorite students from last year came in to give me a hug before the school day started. She then proceeded to make my day with the following comment. "Mrs. Kleffman, I have been praying for my brother to get you as a teacher next year. He's not a very good reader, and I know you will make reading easy for him just like you did for me. You taught me how to love words."

I will admit here and now that I melted into a puddle of goo and started to cry. So much of teaching goes unnoticed by other people. You don't always get to see the fruits of your labor. But those kind words? Made all 9 years worth it for me. Reminded me that what I do everyday makes a difference.

I gave her a hug, told her she made my day, heck-my whole year, and sent her off to 2nd grade with a smile on my face. If I have made learning, reading, or life more enjoyable or accessible for even one person, it is worth all of the stress, time, and effort.