Goodbye ZED!

Today was my last day with students at ZED. Back in September, I was frustrated, sad, angry and constantly avoiding the thought to quit my job. Working in the setting that I was ending up being so much more challenging than I thought it would be. As the year went on however, I formed strong bonds with my students, and I grew to love each and every one of them. Sure, there were days that I came home angry or hurt by their words or actions, but I cried the whole way home today. That says something. I am truly going to miss those kids.

When I announced to them (because of my boss' request) that I would not be returning in the fall due to student teaching, one of my students became very upset. He shut down and sobbed. I had to take him out into the hallway to try to calm him down. When he finally spoke he said, "But who is going to teach me?" It really touched me. He never really connected with a teacher before, and I am so glad that I made that connection with him. I am sad to say goodbye, but he will be okay. He has grown a lot this year, as well as the other students.

Who knows, maybe our paths will cross again someday.