Wish you success in all to come

Thank you to all of the amazing scholars that I have grown to care for over these last 180 days. Each and every one of you will be forging a path that will reveal your destiny, and with that the adventure starts.  When you doubt yourself and others are filling your head with frustration and distractions, find a mirror and ask yourself... "Is this me?" The answer will guide you to make the right choice.  

There is that word again... CHOICE!!! You heard me say it on day 1, and on day 179... it still matters. No one can tell you what to do, you will make that decision for yourself, but choosing whom you want to be, and most importantly, what others remember you by, is the most important of all.  We are blessed to live on a world that gives us all we can imagine, and we only have a short time to enjoy it.  The dinosaurs lived for almost 200 million years, on a planet that has been destroyed, rebuild, extinguished life, and rebounded, to eventually us.  Are you worthy of the gift? Do you see how special you are?  I have see your potential since day 1, and I believe you can accomplish all you set you mind to.  

Your next steps will be filled with wonder and adventure... never forget to be a kid, for once you cross that bridge, all kids stuff is gone... the rest of your life you will have responsibilities, and life can be long and hard, or long and enjoyable.  In the end, you will go down the path you clear and determine what awaits you at the end of the yellow brick road.  

Thank you to all my classes that welcomed me in to the Falcon culture, family, and pride.  Period 1, you have great potential and your belief in yourself needs to shine bright.  Although a cup of joe in the morning is good to kick things off, your motivation to excel should be first and for most. It has been a pleasure to have been your teacher this year, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have taught me in return.

Period 2, I have never had a group of students that were so bright, it out shined the light in the room, when you wheeled your power.  At last you choose to stay dim with flashes of brilliance.  I'll blame myself for not getting your light to shine brighter, and with that I challenge you.  SHow me at the next level that I was right about the untapped potential amongst the lot of you... On any given day, all of you could have been in an honors science, or GATE program, you just had to let it shine.  I will miss our special days that gave our class smiles, and you must smile, for your time on the Blue dot in the universe is short. Enjoy it, make good memories and be all that you are capable to be. 

Period 3, If your parents have lived as long as me, the they will know the term is used with love in my heart... as you guys were my "Sweathogs." So many characters and personalities all in one class, and it never got old.  I can honestly say you were my most challenging class, but at the end of the day, the most rewarding.  Your thirst for answers to questions that sometimes lead us off the normal route, was not ignored but encouraged. School is a place where questions and answers are found.  Remember to be great, and to question, for that is how you learn and grow. Respect others and their differences, as you want others to respect you. Never judge, for you may be the one whom is being judge. Take the time to listen, the words you might hear could be the answer your looking for, but most of all continue to dream big dreams. Don't let others stop you from reaching the stars, as no one person whom is born knows their destiny, that is for you to choose and fulfill. Thank you for the respect you gave, as I always tried to return it in kind. I will miss you guys as you taught me the most about myself, and why I teach.

Period 5, What can I say... The class with the most deep and relevant questions all year.  We have laugh together, cried together, and pondered the questions of why, who, what, where, and how we should be as human beings.  Your journey has just begun, and running to the other side will only shorted you time as a child... embraces childhood and remember it, for it is to long that we live as grown ups and then its to late.  Ladies, remember that you have the power to control your world with your mind. The stronger your mind, the stronger the person and harder it is to knock you down, when your foundation is strong.  Gentleman... be respectful, kind, courteous and mindful of your words and actions. They carry weight and once you say it, done it... well damage done, it's hard to say you didn't mean it when you said it.  I will miss you all and I look forward to the future you's whom will conquer the world.

Period 6, You have taught me patience... I have never had a class with so much prior knowledge that sometimes it was frighting.  You made me smile when I was down, or on that last leg and ready to throw in the towel.  You kept me striving to do better, as the ok was not good enough. It was a blessing, honor, privileged to have been your teacher.  Your future is boundless and your dreams are only limited to your effort to achieve them.  All of you will make your make on the planet, and we will be better for it, as I see future doctors, lawyers, scientist, and environmentalist, who will take care of the only spaceship we have Mother Earth.  I tip my hat to you as the future awaits your arrival. Never stop dreaming, never stop asking why, never stop moving forward... you all are superstars!!! 

Period 7, late addition to my schedule, but none the less impactful to my first year at Booth-Fickett. We had a rough start, and was just about to start moving full steam ahead, and the rug got pulled out from under our feet.  Its a bitter sweet ending with so many unanswered questions, would we have past the Bar? Could we have seen referrals? Was change at out door step, and we just missed the chance to connect? I do know this, your thirst to excel and make a difference was never in questioned by me... you have the will, the drive, the passion, we just ran out of time.  I will be left with the question of, what if we had the time?  Thank you for your commitment to trying to be a change agent at Booth-Fickett, and thank you for allowing me to start the process of building a culture that would be respected by all whom had to experience it.  I hope we are able to continue our journey, but if it is not to happen, then take the knowledge you have gained and share it with others. Teen Court is a class about teaching others how to make good choices.  You all would have been amazing teachers.

All Classes, you will forever be in my heart and mind as one of the most amazing group of students i've ever taught, and although our journey may have been cut short, the adventure continues and I will be watching to see how you all will change our world... Earth, the blue dot in the galaxy that will forever be your home... Until some of you decide to go to Mars!!! :) Best of luck and Congrats to all the 8th graders moving on to High School. My all your dreams come true.

Last but not least... My Athletes... whether I was your coach or not, you all are my athletes. As athletes you have to remember that the world is looking and they will comment on your actions, good or bad.  As athletes we have to be the example of what others should do, and stay away from drama, but most of all as athletes you have to be committed to being the best you can be, in the game or out.  We all want to be the star, but remember the star has the most to lose when they don't make a miracle play, shot, goal, or hit.  If we play within ourselves and stop trying to be someone we are not, then and only then can you achieve your goal. Being an athlete is a lot of work, and most of the time you are practicing so you can make the right move, but if you are not being you, then you will never know what your move is.  If playing the sport you love means working hard both in the classroom and in the game, then you have to commit to doing both. You will not excel in one without the other.  Coaches want athletes that understand sacrifice and commitment, but most of all coaches want athletes that are ready to be coached.  If your cup is already full, then how is the coach going to fill it up with anything else. Michael Jordan had coaches, and the same thing is said by all of them... He was coachable.  Know your sport, understand the rules, and respect your team mates, coaches, pearents, opposing players, and most importantly... the officials.  If you can conquer these things then your future in sports will be amazing, if not, then be ready for a short career.  Managers... I could not do what I do without you.  You have a special place in my heart that will always remember, your sacrifice, commitment, and dedication to the program, the players, and your school.  Thank you!!!