Somone Special

My life has changed so much over the past 7 years that I have been teaching. Being a teacher is so incredibly challenging, yet so rewarding. I didn't set out to be a pre-k teacher, much less a special education teacher. I thought I was meant to be a 2nd grade teacher. I planned and actively pursued jobs in multiple counties for a postion teaching older children. I even had a couple of offers. But it didn't seem right. On the day I was supposed to drive out of town for a follow-up interview I took a job teaching pre-k at a community daycare center. The pay was awful and I had no insurance. I kept thinking I didn't go to school 5 years to do this. Little did I know, the Lord had bigger plans for me. That daycare opened my eyes to things I didn't know existed in Valdosta, GA. I was saddened by many of the things that I saw and encountered. When an opportunity arose a few years later to teach preschool education I thought I just don't know if I can do this. After much prayer and one day observing what would become my future class and I knew my life would forever be changed. God humbled me that day. We often take so much for granted in our lives. We take for granted that we can talk, walk, see, and even eat. Now, that I have a child of my own I realize how blessed I am that she is happy and healthy. I love all of my students, even the really difficult ones. I think I learn more from them than they'll ever learn from me. However, this year in particular, I have really been touched by one of my students. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. I hope that wherever he is tonight he is safe, happy, and loved! Here are some pics of my special little guy with my parapros.