Walnut Birches

The amazing thing about working with children and young adults is that they have so many great stories and lessons to share. The constant exchange of information that passes between me and my students is one of my favorite things about my line of work.

For many years I worked with middle school students; people always told me I was crazy when I would tell them this. There is something about middle school aged children that is so raw and vulnerable. I often found that the ones that gave me minor trouble were just desperate for someone to reach out, listen, and understand. In a classroom setting you do all that you can but it is, no doubt, a daunting task trying to reach each of your students equally. I will always have fond memories of my years teaching middle school exclusively and some of the amazing young people I have watched grow into successful young adults.

I love that I now work will all ages of students. Whether they are 6 or 16, I learn so much from each of my students. I grow as an educator each minute I spend with a student. Although I hope to pass valuable information along to them, they certainly open my eyes on a regular basis to a myriad of lessons sitting right in front of me. I love the fresh perspective of a young, energetic, and determined student as much as I love to pick up a student who has temporarily fallen. I wear the joys and pains of my students more than they probably realize. I am quick to celebrate their accomplishments and always there when they need a shoulder to lean on. I even get nervous when I know they are struggling through a big test, a side effect of tutoring that still makes my husband laugh with pride. Although each of my students touch me deeply, there are always certain ones who dig trenches in my heart a little deeper than the rest.

I have always believed in the concept of "kindred spirits", two people who seem to share a common element in their souls. My first kindred spirit was my grandmother Kathy. It felt like a cruel joke to have her ripped away from me so early on in my life, being only eight at the time of her death, but I still feel her inside of me every day. Even though it has been 23 years since I have heard the sound of her voice, I can always feel her when I close my eyes. I will never forget sitting on her lap and eating Cracklin' Oat Bran during episodes of David Letterman ("He is SOOO handsome Kimberly!") while the rest of the househeld fell under the quiet of sleep. These moments may seem like odd legacies, but they are true gems inside of my soul.

Of course I have met other kindred spirits throughout the years. One is my husband, others are best friends, and others are students. There is nothing like the smooth click of a kindred spirit relationship; growing comfortable and dropping boundaries flow so effortlessly. It is like a cool breath of fresh air on a crisp morning only it is my heart that is saying, "Wow, this is beautiful."

I dedicate this piece to all kindred spirits out there, especially my sweet Walnut Birches, and to all of the people in my life who have given my soul gentle hugs over the years.