Reflecting: 2006-2007

I need to be honest about something…I think it’s healthy to cry. In my opinion it creates closure, and it helps us experience a moment fully. Laughter and tears are both powerful, but while we laugh often, at times I don’t think we cry enough, despite the fact that both are incredibly cathartic.

I CRIED.

This year, on the last day of school, I cried more than I ever have before. I cried in 1st period, then in 2nd, almost the entire period in 3rd, in 4th, and finally in 5th.

I cried because I worked more for these students than any students in the past.

I cried because these students worked so hard for me and showed me an immense amount of respect.

I cried because we helped the people of Darfur and actually took action about something.

I cried because comments like this were left on my board, “Mr. Topf, if more people cared like you do, then the world would be a better place.”

I cried because I may never see some of these students ever again.

I cried because I wanted to show how much I cared about each and every one of them.

I cried because of the impact they’ve had on me.

I cried because men do cry, and men do care, and my students need to know this.

I cried because of the poem a student wrote to me.

I cried because my students were crying, which showed they cared.

I cried because of the students who were involved in Jaguar Productions and Jaguars Basketball.

I cried because I’ll remember this year for the rest of my life.

I cried because I’ll remember this moment for the rest of my life.

I cried because I will probably never teach at Jehue again.

But I also cried because I couldn’t be happier to end my experience at Jehue with a group like this.