I have had many accomplishments over the years, but very few that I can claim as my own. My accomplishments with education are to be shared with my family, especially my dad, for holding high expectations and supporting me along the way. My public teaching accomplishments (Teacher of Year, WRAL Teacher of the Week) are not mine alone. They are a result of working alongside talented teachers, under wonderful administration, and teaching amazing students. My children are my proudest accomplishments of all, yet they offer me too many proud moments to share. Once again, they are shared with God, Glen, and the rest of my family. As anyone who knows me knows, I don't talk a lot about myself. I am shy by nature and like to enjoy my accomplishments, no matter how large or small, with my family and closest friends, not with the public. Which makes this journal entry difficult. However, in order to accept the challenge, I will describe one of my accomplishments in more detail. Noting that once again, it was not just me that made this accomplishment possible. It is no secret that I am a teacher and I love my career choice. Something about being in the classroom, in front of 28 - 30 elementary students, and knowing that they are full of unlimited potential excites me. I LOVE being responsible in helping my students learn to cooperate together, challenge their minds, and realize that the world is wide open for them. Anything IS truly possible if they believe in themselves, work toward their goals, and capture their dreams. However, this task is not an easy task by far. Students come in the classroom with their own stories. Some are confident, others unsure and doubtful. Regardless, their futures are unwritten. They are the writers and my responsibility is to spend one school year teaching them the required curriculum, but most important, teaching them to realize how magnificent they really are and how not to limit their dreams or sell themselves short. Remember though, I am not alone in this task. The students, themselves, are the essential ingredient to success with assistance from his/her family, other teachers, friends, God, etc. By definition accomplishment means "the successful achievement of a task". So how do I know if I truly made a difference in a child's life, especially being that many of my students I may not see again? The only way I know how to measure my success is by the hugs I receive when running into them, their siblings excitement to be in my class and share what they've heard from their older brother or sister, and even the occasional students that actually drive themselves to visit me at the school where I had previously taught them 6+ years earlier. One of my past students reached out to me earlier this year. And it's his story that I have choosen to share. I believe that it was in the Fall of 2008 (Sorry years seem to run together now.) Many new faces were entering my 5th grade classroom for the first time. The majority of them smiling, saying good morning, and finding their seats eager for a new school year. Except one, he came in and threw himself down in his desk. It was clear that he was not happy and far away from eager to be there. At that time, I knew that I had a remarkable year ahead of me. Why, you ask? Because it was clear and evident that God had placed him under my supervision so that I could change his outlook and help him see his inner potential by finding himself. When asked what he saw himself doing in the future he didn't know. As the year progressed, we were able to find common ground to work on. We were able to trust and respect each other, which in return allowed us to tackle and overcome all obstacles. When that occurs, the magic of teaching happens. Does that mean we agreed all the time? Absolutely not, we challenged each other often, especially when it came to oral speaking, writing, or even sports. (He was a Syracuse Orange and Dallas Cowboy fan, me not so much. I was a Carolina Tarheel fan and it just happened to be the year that we won the championship. Placing a box of tissues on a few desks the following morning, including his was fun. These connections are what help break down barriers.) This student had many strengths, though didn't recognize them all the time. He soared in reading and math. If I remember correctly, he even made straight A's at the end of the school year. In the spring, I asked him again what he foresaw himself doing in the future, he revealed that he wanted to be a doctor. Self worth had been discovered. You see while others saw and focused on the outer appearance of sagging pants and judging him as not caring, I focused my time and efforts on the inner potential, the "real" person. A belt can quickly fix sagging pants, but trust and believing in oneself, that sets the foundation for the much more important future. Years have passed, students have come and gone. But a few months ago I was so proud. I received an email from a past student, yes the one mentioned above. He stated that I had made a difference in his life. He even went as far as to say that he was a "trouble" until he entered my classroom. But things had changed. Now he plays soccer and runs track for his high school. And what's even more impressive, he wanted me to write a letter of recommendations for his college application - as he wants to attend college and currently plans to become a sports therapist. How remarkable is that? I honestly broke down in tears as I felt extremely honored and much pride in HIS accomplishments. Yes HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS! He believes in himself and sees a bright future for himself. You see that inward belief of an amazing future, where anything and everything is possible, that's my inspiration and reason for teaching. That's the accomplishment I wish to have at the end of each school year with all of my students. Am I always successful? Absolutely not. Will I always hear about my impact in one's life? No. Will I be remembered by all of my students? No. But when I do hear of THEIR accomplishments and they seek to find me and share their successes with me or thank me - then yes, I believe it's my honor to feel accomplished along with them.
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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