So, on Tuesday I'm at the gym for a dreaded middle school assembly and I am surprised and astounded because at the assembly I am awarded an awesome thing - recognition for my job. I'm still in a daze about it. I still can't really remember much from the moment they read my name until about 24 hours later.
The teachers at Andersen and the students at Andersen are what it's all about. I work in a magical place with teachers who work harder than anyone and kids who need us all to work even harder. I love my job. I'm not sure if it is true for every profession, but when I say I am a teacher, I feel like I'm really defining who I am. I feel proud to say those words because it is such precious and awesome and gratifying and influential work. I get to be creative every single day. I get to learn every single day. I get to be with other human beings who are learning and growing every single day and I get to be part of that process! Who wouldn't like that?
Here are some things that have happened:
- Strangers sent emails thanking me for my work.
- People I went to grade school with sent notes of congratulations.
- My parents cried and told me how proud they are.
- My colleagues celebrated with me.
- Parents of grade school friends left me tearful messages.
- Past students came to my school to see me.
- Small sweet elementary school kids stopped to say, "Are you Ms. Spriggs? Congratulations!"
- My church choir stopped singing and applauded for me.
- I got flowers from the credit union.
- People say they are proud to know me.
