A few days ago I got a message on my new instagram account. It was from a former 5th grade student, from a Charter school in KC MO, whom I had taught math and science. This student graduated in the spring and wanted to meet for coffee. She said that she had written a book and it took first place at a competion this past school year. We set a time and date and I looked forward to our visit.
After hugs of happiness and many “yays” we settled in. Lydia handed me her book and I read the inside page. My heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of joy and my eyes overflowed with tears. Lydia was a student who had to not only work hard, but needed acccomodations to help her be successful. Her mom was, and still is, her greatest advocate. Lydia is a learner and always wanted to be one . She is a creative artist and an amazing problem solver, but academics in the traditional sense gave her a tug.
I eventually composed myself and read her book. Knowing Lydia’s struggles as a reader and writer, the words on the page found their way into my heart. Once again, it was filled. My emotions were not only for Lydia and what she continues to work at to overcome her learning differences, but for all of the students I have taught who have struggled and put in all the work to be successful at learning on their level. We all have something that we are given as gifts to overcome. This is something in life that no one gets past. These frustrations become gifts when we allocate our learning with others. Working hard and moving foward takes patience, tenacity, and an incredible mindset. The words on the pages of Lydia’s book show that she knows this, has accepted it, and wants to share with others.
A thought to puzzle over…
How do we help our children/students to advocate for themselves? How do we help our children/students realize that their struggles can be gifts to others?